Drive-hunting Clint Bowyer in talks with Michael Waltrip Racing

Bowyer looks set for a future elsewhere as negotiations with RCR seem to have hit a stumbling block. Waltrip has now revealed publicly that his team has held conversations with the driver and a sponsor for next season.

"Michael Waltrip Racing has had very productive conversations with Clint and a sponsor. Today, however, we are not in a position to make a formal announcement," wrote Waltrip on his Twitter feed.

Bowyer also confirmed to reporters at Chicagoland Speedway that talks have taken place and hinted that he felt MWR might currently be the best option for his future.

Last weekend the 32-year-old missed the chance to join the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series title and he currently ranks 14th in the points standings, still looking for his first win of the season. Out of RCR's four-car effort only Kevin Harvick was in a position to enter championship contention and he starts the Chase second, tied for points with leader Kyle Busch.

Michael Waltrip Racing currently operates a two-car team and provides technical support to JTG Daugherty Racing, which runs former Cup and Nationwide Series champion Bobby Labonte. It remains to be seen whether MWR would run Bowyer in a third car.

Earlier this week, Richard Petty Motorsports officials confirmed that they are no longer pursuing Bowyer's services as options continue to narrow for the 2008 Nationwide Series champion.

In nearly six full seasons at Cup level, Bowyer has won four races and finished a career best third in the standings in 2007. He has raced for RCR ever since his NASCAR debut in 2004.