A team with a theme as bright as the sun. Morgan McClure Motorsports was quite a popular name in the NASCAR world with their iconic yellow cars. However, 25 years after they kickstarted their operations, the team ceased to exist citing that major financial issues have become a constant deterrent. Larry McClure was charged with federal income tax fraud for not reporting $269,000 for cars used in the ARCA series, which didn’t help their financial status.

During the team’s closure, a chunk of the full-time employees were laid off, hoping it was a temporary decision. While the full-time operations closed down in 2008, the team completely closed down in 2012. What happened that led to the downfall of the team? Here’s what NASCAR veteran Dale Earnhardt Jr. had to say. 

Morgan McClure Motorsports closes its doors after a tumultuous journey 

The foundation of the team was laid in 1983. However, the most iconic timeframe that contributed to the legacy of the team was from 1983 to 2010 when it pioneered the No. 4 car. While the ending of the team might not have been the best, it does not mean that Morgan McClure Motorsports did not taste what success feels like. During the entire 1990 tenure, the team had accounted for three Daytona 500 victories. 

The team’s success at Daytona was nothing short of remarkable, beginning with a victory alongside Ernie Irvan in 1991. This win set the stage for an impressive run. It also included back-to-back triumphs with Sterling Marlin in 1994 and 1995. Adding to their Daytona dominance, Irvan clinched the Pepsi 400 in 1992. This was followed by Marlin’s win in the same race in 1996. Over six years, the team celebrated five points-paying victories at one of NASCAR’s most iconic tracks. 

However, just like all good things come to an end, the team slowly started to stoop down. Why? There are several explanations for the same. While some believe that it is due to the sheer lack of big brands and names, Dale Earnhardt Jr. had a different take. On a recent Reddit post that sparked a conversation about why the team failed so quickly, Dale Earnhardt Jr. commented, “Losing Runt Pitman and Tony Glover”. 

It is not always drivers who contribute to the success of the team. Shelton Runt Pittman was one of the most prominent and well-known Head engine builders for the team. However, once he retired after the Daytona 500 in 2004, it seemed as though the team’s functioning crumbled. It was his contribution that led to a horsepower advantage for Martin in his engine. Not only Pittman, another name that has come up is that of Tony Glover. 

Glover had his stint as crew chief with Morgan McClure Motorsports from 1983 to 1996. He even accounted for the victory lane a total of three times at the Daytona 500 with drivers like Ernie Irvan (1991) and Sterling Marlin (1994 and 1995). Being the son of former Late Model champion, Gene Glover, Tony had an innate understanding of the tracks.

The departure of legends like Runt Pittman and Tony Glover marked the unraveling of Morgan McClure Motorsports’ once-dominant presence in NASCAR. Glover went to SABCO Racing in 1996 to be crew chief of Roby Gordon. Their absence left a void that the team could never quite fill, ultimately leading to its bittersweet farewell.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. shares his 2025 racing career goals

Trending

1

Kyle Busch Handed “Final Warning” by NASCAR as Internal Friction Erupts at Chevrolet

2

Justice for NASCAR Legend as FBI Takes Down Elite Car Thieves in Shocking Undercover Operation

3

Chase Elliott Branded NASCAR’s “Last Big Hope” as ‘Loudmouth’ Denny Hamlin Earns Controversial Veteran’s Respect

4

Denny Hamlin Pushed Around at Bowman Gray by Roger Penske’s New Short Track Master

5

Richard Childress & Co Blamed for Kyle Busch’s Failures as NASCAR Veteran Exposes Rowdy’s Career Blunder

Dale Earnhardt Jr. has been quite vocal, and it is not only limited to his opinions about others. Recently, Dale Jr. opened up about the three goals for 2025 that he has envisioned and how he will be leaving no stone unturned to fulfill them. In a recent post on X, Dale Earnhardt Jr. shared how he plans to hit the three iconic racing tracks in iRacing for the year 2025. 

When iRacing uploaded a post on X asking its users what their goals for 2025 are, Dale Jr. responded. His post read, “Winchester, Florence, Berlin. Two are scanned and one is currently unlicensed”. Earnhardt Jr.’s love for the field of iRacing is quite well-known and self-proclaimed. He has been a strong advocate of how unique this form of race is and the prospect it has for the future. One fan even commented appreciating his love for short tracks, saying, “Thanks for fighting for the short track community! I’m sure it’s not as popular as other forms of racing on the service. Winchester and Salem have been on my bucket list for years.“

Dale Jr. is set to take the iRacing world by storm to high anticipation from fans in 2025. The 50-year-old will also be busy running his multiple ventures, including his Xfinity team JR Motorsports with reigning champion Justin Allgaier. Are you excited to see Dale Jr. live on iRacing in 2025?