In what was a shocking revelation to me, Red Bull Racing has decided to leave Nascar. There has been much speculation this season about drivers, such as Carl Edwards, Danica Patrick, and Mark Martin, and where they might drive next season, but never anything about Red Bull leaving.
As fast as the announcement was made, the rumors started. Jay Frye, an executive with the team, is reportedly trying to secure investors to purchase the team. Of local interest, Ray Evernham, former Sprint Cup car owner and New Jersey native, has also been mentioned, but he denied any interest.
Perhaps the most interesting rumor has Michael Andretti leaving IndyCar Racing and buying the Red Bull team. This could answer two questions at once, not only the future of the team, but also Danica Patrick's future.
Either way, what is also does is add another driver to the list of those looking for a new ride in 2012. While Kasey Kahne is secure in his Hendrick Motorsports deal, Brian Vickers would be caught on the outside looking in.
This is also a big blow to Nascar itself, as Red Bull was the team most associated with bringing younger fans to the sport. That responsibility will now probably fall onto Travis Pastrana as he looks to move from X-Games to Nascar.
It is never a good sign when a team in Nascar decides to close up shop. When that team is Red Bull, who not only owned but sponsored the team, it is really bad news. Hopefully, Toyota won't want to lose the two cars and help with trying to keep the team in Sprint Cup.
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