In the Pits- MB2

Bobby Ginn purchases majority interest in MB2 Motorsports

MB2 Motorsports, which fields NASCAR Nextel Cup entries for drivers Joe Nemechek and Sterling Marlin, has announced a change of ownership.

Real estate developer Bobby Ginn (pronounced GHIN) has purchased all of the company shares owned by MB2 majority owner and founding partner Nelson Bowers.

Jay Frye, MB2’s general manager and chief executive officer since the formation of the racing organization in 1996, will continue in the same capacity and retain his ownership in the company.

Ginn’s majority interest and Frye’s interest comprise 100 percent ownership of MB2 Motorsports.

Ginn is president and founder of the Celebration, FL-based Ginn Resorts, a privately held resort development and management firm, specializing in exclusive leisure lifestyle and vacation destination communities in the United States.

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.

“We recognize the importance and relevance of NASCAR fans and sponsors to the overall success of our brand,” says Ginn, a native of Hampton, SC. “MB2 has outstanding partners in the U.S. Army, Waste Management, CENTRIX Financial, Wiley X Eye-wear, Ginn Resorts and Mighty Auto Parts. 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.”

Also announced was that Ginn Resorts, which has been an MB2 primary sponsor at selected Cup events in 2006, has added 10 races to its primary-sponsorship package on Marlin’s No. 14 Chevrolet.

Regarding the sale of his shares in MB2, Bowers says, “I have thoroughly enjoyed all facets of being a NASCAR team owner for the past 10 years. It’s been a memorable and fascinating ride, and I wish Bobby, Jay and the en-tire MB2 organization nothing but success.”

“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 10 years,” says Frye. “He’s a great friend who will always be part of the MB2 legacy.

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

Photo caption:

New MB2 Motorsports owner Bobby Ginn (second from left) enjoys time with team drivers Sterling Marlin (L), Joe Nemechek and MB2’s CEO and GM Jay Frye (R) following a July 26 news conference in Orlando announcing Ginn's purchase of MB2.