Car:
Number 55 Toyota
Team:
Michael Waltrip Racing
Sponsor:
NAPA
Birthdate:
April 30, 1963
Rookie Season:
Michael started five races in 1985 for car owner Dick Bahre. Michael then ran the full schedule in 1986 in the Hawaiian Punch car owned by Chuck Rider.
Michael failed to notch a top ten finish in that campaign and lost Rookie of the Year honors to Alan Kulwicki.
Career Highlights:
1991 - Won The Winston
2001 - Won Daytona 500
2003 - Won Daytona 500
Great Spokesman, OK Driver:
Michael Waltrip is an ideal spokesman for any company. He always has something to say and the camera loves to find him. Along the way Waltrip is one of the best at mentioning the sponsors and plugging their products.
However, in 676 NEXTEL Cup starts Waltrip has only managed four victories and all of them have come at the restrictor plate tracks of Daytona and Talladega. Also, in 21 full seasons in NASCAR's top series Michael Waltrip has never finished better than 12th in points.
Michael could potentially be a good car owner, or an ok driver but as his older brother proved long ago it is incredibly difficult to do both at the same time. Mikey should consider hanging up his helmet and being a full-time car owner.
