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NASCAR Reinstates MWR Executive Ty Norris
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Ty Norris, the Michael Waltrip Racing executive who took the blame for orchestrating a team orders scandal last September at Richmond International Raceway, has been reinstated by NASCAR following a four-month suspension.
Norris was suspended Sept. 9 as part of the fallout from the Chase for the Sprint Cup cutoff race, which saw MWR drivers Clint Bowyer and Brian Vickers take deliberate actions to change the outcome of the Chase field and help teammate Martin Truex Jr. make the playoffs. The now-former spotter was caught on the radio instructing a surprised Vickers to pit.
Though he retained his title as Executive Vice President of MWR, Norris' duties have changed. He is no longer involved with the competition department and is primarily focused on sponsorships and marketing, a decision announced last year.
He remains on indefinite probation, though the lifting of NASCAR's suspension will allow him to return to the track.
"I appreciate NASCAR's action today and respect their position," Norris said. "I am focused forward and dedicated to the success of Michael Waltrip Racing and the continued growth of a sport that has been my home for the past 24 years."
The Richmond scandal marred the start of NASCAR's Chase and resulted in officials changing the field twice—including adding an unprecedented 13th driver, Jeff Gordon, because NASCAR Chairman Brian France believed Gordon was victimized by MWR's actions.
Further fallout also included the departure of MWR sponsor NAPA, which resulted in the closure of MWR's full-time No. 56 team, the release of Truex and the consolidation to just two full-time teams.
Norris was suspended Sept. 9 as part of the fallout from the Chase for the Sprint Cup cutoff race, which saw MWR drivers Clint Bowyer and Brian Vickers take deliberate actions to change the outcome of the Chase field and help teammate Martin Truex Jr. make the playoffs. The now-former spotter was caught on the radio instructing a surprised Vickers to pit.
Though he retained his title as Executive Vice President of MWR, Norris' duties have changed. He is no longer involved with the competition department and is primarily focused on sponsorships and marketing, a decision announced last year.
He remains on indefinite probation, though the lifting of NASCAR's suspension will allow him to return to the track.
"I appreciate NASCAR's action today and respect their position," Norris said. "I am focused forward and dedicated to the success of Michael Waltrip Racing and the continued growth of a sport that has been my home for the past 24 years."
The Richmond scandal marred the start of NASCAR's Chase and resulted in officials changing the field twice—including adding an unprecedented 13th driver, Jeff Gordon, because NASCAR Chairman Brian France believed Gordon was victimized by MWR's actions.
Further fallout also included the departure of MWR sponsor NAPA, which resulted in the closure of MWR's full-time No. 56 team, the release of Truex and the consolidation to just two full-time teams.
