Bowyer won’t reveal future plans

Associated Press

BRISTOL, Tenn.

If Clint Bowyer already has his future figured out, he wasn’t ready to reveal it Friday at Bristol Motor Speedway.

The only thing that is certain is that Bowyer won’t follow Rob Kauffman to Chip Ganassi Racing. Kauffman is moving his investment from Michael Waltrip Racing to Ganassi, and MWR will cease operations at the end of the season.

Bowyer this week secured his release from Kauffman with two years remaining on his contract.

“What I am going to have in the future and what that future holds for me will be another announcement as soon as possible,” Bowyer said.

When asked if he wants a one-year contract for next season so he can pursue a ride for 2017 with a powerhouse team or if he wants a multi-year deal, Bowyer gave a thumbs-up.

“Yes,” he said with a grin. “Keep talking. Absolutely. Those are all systems go.”

In spurning a move to Ganassi with sponsor 5-Hour Energy, Bowyer likely tipped his hand that he’s looking for a placeholder seat next season. None of the high-profile seats are open for 2016 at this time, but something could come open for 2017.

The only thing Bowyer did directly address is that he’s parting ways with Kauffman, who has financially kept MWR afloat since midway through the team’s 2007 debut season.

“It’s a business decision to move forward on his end,” Bowyer said. “That’s where our futures for he and I just don’t align anymore.”

No reason was given by either Bowyer or Kauffman for the decision not to go to Ganassi, which fields cars for Jamie McMurray and Kyle Larson. Once that was made, Bowyer needed a release from his deal to begin looking for something new.

He didn’t seem concerned about finding a job.

“Hey, I’m confident in this sport,” Bowyer said. “I’ve had a lot of great partners and a lot of great organizations I’ve worked for, and I see no reason why somebody who works hard and wants it like I do can’t have a job for as long as they want.”

Hamlin leads Toyota sweep

Denny Hamlin set a track record in leading a Toyota sweep of the first two rows in qualifying at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Hamlin turned a lap Friday at 131.407 mph to break the mark of 131.362 mph set last August by Kevin Harvick.

JGR teammate Kyle Busch qualified second and was followed by JGR driver Carl Edwards. David Ragan, from Michael Waltrip Racing, was fourth to give Toyota the top four starting spots tonight.