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BK Racing to be sold to satisfy creditors

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during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway on April 13, 2018 in Bristol, Tennessee.

Robert Laberge

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — BK Racing will be sold, the court-approved trustee operating the team said after a hearing Tuesday. Discussions are underway.

“We’re selling a race team, we’re not just selling a charter,’’ said Matt Smith, the trustee operating the team while it is in Chapter 11 bankruptcy. “So the charter is the largest asset in this case but it’s not the only asset. This is a viable race team and we’re trying to prove that each and every week. We’re meeting obligations of NASCAR by showing up and competing in good faith.

“This isn’t just a liquidation. What brings the best result to all creditors is the sale of a race team not just the sale of an asset.”

Smith would not reveal any potential suitors but said: “We’re looking at buyers that we would think do right by this team, that would be good for NASCAR, good for creditors and good for the employees. We’re looking for the right buyer that has the right offer for this team.”

Smith said that there have been conversations with “parties about their interest and trying to understand what their interest is and how they might be interested in putting an offer together.”
Any sale would have to be approved by the court and the trustee would have to show that he got the best price for the sale. Smith had no timetable for when the sale could be completed but said it would be “as soon as it is practical and works for the buyers and works for the requirement of the bankruptcy court.” Smith said that any buyer would get the team and not the liabilities the team faces.

“I think there needs to be a change in ownership in the team, and I think this process will do that,” Smith said. “I’m working really, really hard to make sure we get the right outcome for this team.”

Ron Devine was among those who started the team. BK Racing made its Cup debut in 2012. Devine had been a part of the ownership since. With mounting bills, including $9.25 million owed to Union Bank & Trust, BK Racing filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Feb. 15, three days before the Daytona 500. Devine said he made the filing to keep the bank from taking control of the team’s charter and selling it to reclaim money from loans owned.

Smith was approved by the court on March 28 to take over as trustee and operate the team, relieving Devine of his duties.

Gray Gaulding has driven the team’s No. 23 car all season. Gaulding finished 31st Sunday at Michigan International Speedway. The team is 35th in the car owner standings and ranks ahead of only one other team that has a charter.

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