Former Zephyrhills resident David Reutimann will be behind the wheel for his eighth NASCAR Cup series season thanks to a new deal with Tommy Baldwin Racing.
Reutimann, 42, was released by Michael Waltrip Racing following the 2011 season, a year where he won zero races and finished 28th in the points standings but did have one runner-up and two top-10 performances.
It is the first time the Zephyrhills High graduate will compete in a Cup series race with a team other than Waltrip’s. Reutimann said the change will be positive for his career.
“One of the things I like about Tommy and what’s refreshing about him is that he is just a racer,” Reutimann said. “There are a lot of things he could be doing, but instead he is at the shop every day working hard to build the organization from the ground up. … It’s the way I was raised with my dad, so we are on the same page.”
Baldwin released a statement which says they plan to have a two-car team this year, but added it is unclear how many races Reutimann will compete in as there is no full-time sponsorship lined up yet.
Dave Blaney is also part of Baldwin’s team. He finished 32nd in the points standings last year and is also looking for a new sponsor after Golden Corral decided not to return with the 41-year-old racer.
