Michael Waltrip Racing.

Bio

Ask Michael Waltrip to list the pivotal moments in the young history of Michael Waltrip Racing and he’ll put the October 2007 day Rob Kauffman joined as an ownership partner near the top of the list.   

Since the New York native’s addition, Kauffman’s financial and business strategy guided the team’s growth and ability to field multiple NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series teams in some of the most economically challenging times in the sports history.  

Kauffman, based in London, is a founding principal of Fortress Investment Group, a NYSE listed global fund manager, and is responsible for their European operations. However, he has always had a significant interest in all things automotive, motorcycling and racing related. 

He founded RK Motors, a muscle car restoration and performance company, based in Charlotte, N.C. (http://rkmotorscharlotte.com/). And, he’s also pretty good behind the wheel of a race car.

Kauffman and Waltrip raced a Ferrari sports car in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans in July 2011 and plan to race in the 50th anniversary of the Rolex 24 in Daytona in 2012. Kauffman finished third at the Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta in October. 

Kauffman has made MWR’s participation in international racing events a part of a worldwide business strategy to promote the team on a global stage. Since his arrival, MWR’s international effort has included visits to the Goodwood Festival of Speed in England, Toyota Motorsports Festival in Japan as well as races and tests in Dubai, Belgium, Italy and Portugal.