Tommy Baldwin Racing won't field full-time Cup team next season

MIAMI BEACH — Tommy Baldwin Racing will cease to be a full-time race team following this season, team owner Tommy Baldwin said in a Facebook post Thursday night.

In a separate announcement, Leavine Family Racing said it has purchased TBR's charter, which means it has a guaranteed spot in every race next season and beyond.

Baldwin, who has fielded the No. 7 car with Regan Smith this season, thanked fans for their support in his Facebook post.

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"We felt that it’s time for a new chapter in our lives and we have sold our charter to a great group of people who will continue to guide our vision," Baldwin said. "For the past eight years we’ve shown up at every race, worked hard to compete at the top level and bring value to our sponsors. I feel confident that we are moving on having accomplished that."

Baldwin's cars have run in 391 Sprint Cup Series races with just four top-10 finishes (including two in the Daytona 500), unable to break through to a more competitive level.

The former crew chief wrote he wasn't sure what was next, although it won't be as a full-time team owner.

"We are going to work hard to get the best possible results in Miami, take a little family time and then figure out the rest," he said. "So, stay tuned — announcements will be forthcoming."

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Meanwhile, Leavine is losing sponsor Thrivent Financial after this season but believes the acquisition of a charter will help "provide us further stability as we look towards success in 2017 and beyond," owner Bob Leavine said.

"We are confident that the purchase of the charter and continued improvement on the track will lead to increased revenue opportunities," he said in a statement.

Leavine Family Racing field the No. 95 car, primarily driven by Michael McDowell, in 2016.

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