CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Team owner Michael Waltrip says he supports David Reutimann following the driver’s altercation with championship contender Kyle Busch.
Reutimann intentionally wrecked Busch in Sunday’s race at Kansas Speedway as payback for earlier contact between the two drivers. Busch was running seventh when Reutimann hit his car and finished 21st.
Busch dropped from third to seventh in the championship standings.
Waltrip says Reutimann’s “record of sportsmanship is flawless” and Reutimann deserves respect even though he’s not racing for the Sprint Cup title.
But Waltrip also says his team has a duty to deliver for its partners, which includes manufacturer Toyota.
Both Reutimann and Busch drive Toyotas.
