A relationship that had lasted 17 long years is now back again but in a new avatar. The company Aaron’s resonates with all NASCAR fans who are even remotely aware of Michael Waltrip Racing. In 2013, the team was involved in a major scandal that cost them not only a phenomenal fine, it also led to the complete dissolution of Aaron’s as a major sponsor. 

But how did this happen? And now that the sponsor is back, who is it that gets to reap the benefits? As Aaron’s makes a comeback, Michael Waltrip has got the funniest welcome-back message for them!

Spingate’s history is hard to forget

History recognizes the biggest incident of race manipulation as ‘spingate’, one that happened in 2013 at the Richmond International Raceway. In an attempt to secure a playoff seat for Martin Truex Jr., the team took up a couple of questionable moves. It ensured that this ultimately led to the downfall of the move and the aftermath of the incident was such that several big sponsors, like Aaron’s, left the premises.

Now that Aaron’s has announced their comeback with Front Row Motorsports, Michael Waltrip has got a funny message for the sponsor. Taking to his X account, Waltrip posted, “Hey Aaron’s, welcome back to NASCAR and congratulations on getting Todd and Zane to drive the dream machine. Hey, I have an idea. I still got my helmet. You think ol’ MW could get a ride?” Aaron’s will be sponsoring both Todd Gilliland and Zane Smith in 2025. Smith will be sponsored by the brand for seven races, which kickstarts with the spring race at Phoenix. However, it is unlikely that Waltrip would get a seat, considering how NASCAR just shunned Mike Wallace for a lack of recent racing.

But what happened in 2013 that led to such a massive backlash? With just eight laps to go, Clint Bowyer, driving for MWR, spun his car without contact. This brought out a caution that dramatically altered the race’s outcome. Initially claiming a flat tire caused the spin, Bowyer’s radio communication painted a different story. His crew chief, Brian Pattie, had cryptically asked, “Is your arm starting to hurt? Must be hot in there… Itch it.” This is the phrase that NASCAR interpreted as coded instructions for Bowyer to spin deliberately.

But MWR did not commit this one act only. On the ensuing restart, Brian Vickers, another MWR driver, received a direct order from team executive Ty Norris to pit under green. This happened with just three laps remaining and the move allowed Martin Truex Jr. to gain another position and secure his playoff spot at the expense of Ryan Newman. NASCAR’s investigation found MWR guilty of race manipulation. It finally led to a record $300,000 fine, a 50-point penalty for all three drivers, and Truex Jr.’s removal from the playoffs. 

You thought the drama ended there? Nope! The following two years were hell for MWR, to say the least. NAPA ended its association with MWR and the team also had to let go of Martin Truex Jr. In 2015, they were on the verge of shutting down and despite that, Clint Bowyer managed to make the playoffs. They entered the 2015 playoffs determined to leave on a high. However, the first playoff race itself shut that down.

They were hit with a P4 Level infraction by NASCAR after attempting to add/manipulate components to influence the movement of the track bar. Clint Bowyer and MWR were deducted 25 points while crew chief Billy Scott was suspended for three races and fined $75,000. Bowyer was subsequently eliminated from the playoffs after the first round and ended last in the postseason standings. A sad end to a controversy-filled story.

Even when spingate occurred, Aaron’s did not bid adieu to the team. However, after a major financial downfall and continuous changes in the team’s functioning, Aaron’s was forced to move out in 2016, after MWR itself collapsed. It was out of the entire sport as a sponsor until 2025 and is finally back with Front Row Motorsports. 

Aside from Aaron’s, FRM also welcomes their driver’s old sponsor back on board!

Trending

1

“I’d Have Smacked Him”: NASCAR Veteran Sends a Strong Message to Defend Dale Earnhardt Jr. Against Fans’ Hate

2

NASCAR Rumors: $41B Japanese Giant to Outrun Dodge to Become NASCAR’s 4th Manufacturer Days After New Reports

3

Roger Penske’s Final Hopes Slipping Away as NASCAR Fans Prepare for Honda

4

Rick Hendrick Accused of ‘Burying’ Ross Chastain’s Real Persona as Fans Insinuate Trackhouse’s Exit From Chevy

5

Decades Later, Dale Earnhardt’s Bold Words Echo Amidst NASCAR’s ‘Hush Money’ Allegations

Horizon Hobby makes a comeback to Front Row Motorsports 

Horizon Hobby is expanding its presence in NASCAR by renewing its partnership with Front Row Motorsports (FRM) in a multi-year, multi-race deal. This time, the partnership shifts from FRM’s flagship entry, Todd Gilliland, to Zane Smith’s No. 38 Ford Mustang Dark Horse. Horizon Hobby, along with its Losi brand, will serve as a full-season associate partner and take on the primary sponsor role for two races. Over the past few years, Horizon Hobby has deepened its involvement in NASCAR. They even unveiled six unique Cup Series paint schemes in 2024. 

It also included the No. 34 Horizon Hobby Ford Mustang Dark Horse. Now, the company is continuing its commitment to the sport by aligning with Smith. Zane Smith first partnered with Horizon Hobby during his 2022 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series season. Speaking of the collaboration, Horizon Hobby announced, “We’re delighted to continue our partnership with the FRM team and NASCAR. It’s a great honor to collaborate with Zane once again and we eagerly anticipate a triumphant season on the track. We are also dedicated to enhancing our bond with NASCAR fans through the upcoming release of the 2025 Losi NASCAR product line.”

As part of the collaboration, Horizon Hobby will launch new RC products throughout the NASCAR season. This will kick-start this spring with two fresh Losi RC designs. Fans will be able to witness Smith’s No. 38 Horizon Hobby Ford Mustang in action at Kansas Speedway in May. The same can be spotted at the Dover Motor Speedway in July as well. Are you happy with Aaron’s return to NASCAR? Or are you still upset about ‘spingate’? Let us know in the comments below!