The family run NASCAR Cup Series team has been sold
Sharon and Bob Leavine operate Leavine Family Racing. The team is headquartered in Texas with a shop in the Charlotte, North Carolina area.
It’s been rumored in recent weeks that the NASCAR team was for sale. Today, those rumors were confirmed as the team owner released a statement that he’s entered an agreement to sell the team following the 2020 season.
For 2016-18, the team had an alliance with Chevrolet and Richard Childress Racing.
In 2019, the team made the move to Toyota. Currently, the team has an alliance with Joe Gibbs Racing and TRD.
Christopher Bell is a future superstar in the NASCAR Cup Series and the current driver of the No. 95. In 2020, they’ve collected five top-10’s and one top-5.
The team has run 240 races in the previous 10 years. They’re absent from the win column.
Bob Leavine comments
“It is with great sadness today that I announce the sale of the Leavine Family Racing team, assets and charter,” Bob Leavine stated Tuesday.
“Since 2011, Sharon and our entire family have enjoyed being a part of the NASCAR community with Matt DiLiberto joining the family as a co-owner in 2016. We will say goodbye at the conclusion of the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series season.”
“This decision has not been made lightly. Family has always been a part of the team’s name and this is how we view every member of our race team — as our family.”
“There is no good time to make this announcement, but doing it earlier allows our people to explore employment opportunities, for next season, to provide for their families. There will be opportunities with the new owners which was important to our decision.”
“This year has been challenging for not only our race team, but our industry, our country and the entire world. The pandemic has impacted our economy and unfortunately that’s just not something we are able to overcome in order to continue racing beyond this season.”
“Leavine Family Racing will continue through the end of 2020, and we want to leave on a positive note – contending for top-finishes with Christopher Bell, Toyota, TRD and all our partners.”
“Thank you to everyone for your support through this journey. Thank you to our partners and fans and most of all, thank you to everyone who has been part of the Leavine Family Racing family over the last decade,” Leavine concluded.
Christopher Bell comments on the sale of the team
Christopher Bell made his NASCAR Cup Series debut in February. He’s signed to drive for the full year with LFR.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to compete in the Cup series for LFR, and I’m focused on finishing the year strong and going after not only my first win, but the teams as well,” Bell stated.
Bell is a part of the Toyota Driver Development program. He likely linked to a future ride with Joe Gibbs Racing. Currently, Erik Jones has yet to renew with Joe Gibbs Racing for 2021, the No. 20 seat could be open next year. This would make Bell the most likely candidate for the ride.
Related: Losing development drivers is what keeps TRD up at night
Links
Leavine Family Racing | Christopher Bell | NASCAR
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