Ownership change for MB2.

There has been a change of owner at MB2 Motorsports, which fields Nextel Cup entries for Joe Nemechek and Sterling Marlin, with real estate developer Bobby Ginn purchasing all shares owned by majority stakeholder and founding partner Nelson Bowers.

The business transaction takes effect immediately, with Ginn joining Jay Frye in joint ownership. Fry, MB2's general manager and chief executive officer since the formation of the team in 1996, will continue in the same capacity and retain his ownership in the company.

"Nelson was one of the catalysts in the formation of MB2 and we are all grateful for what he has provided in his ownership role during the past ten years," Frye noted, "He is a great friend and will always be part of the MB2 legacy.

"However, we are now entering an exciting new era and I look forward to working closely with Bobby in creating a new level of competition for MB2 Motorsports. Along with being innovative and resourceful, Bobby is deeply committed to do what it takes to grow MB2."

Ginn Sports Entertainment, a division of Ginn Resorts, is responsible for producing sporting-related events along with managing and sponsoring several LPGA and Champions Tour golf events in Florida and South Carolina, and its 57-year old owner admits that business opportunities played a part in his decision to taken greater involvement in MB2.

"We recognise the importance and relevance of NASCAR fans and sponsors to the overall success of our brand," he said, "MB2 has outstanding partners in the US Army, Waste Management, CENTRIX Financial, Wiley X Eyewear, Ginn Resorts and Mighty Auto Parts, and the goal as the new owner is simple - to work as hard as we can to build on the successes of the team and make a commitment to providing our race teams with the resources necessary to get them into Victory Lane."

It was also announced that Ginn Resorts, which has been an MB2 primary sponsor at selected Cup events in 2006, would add ten races to its association with Marlin's #14 Chevrolet. The sponsorship will be managed through Ginn Sports Entertainment.