(WOMR file photo)

The latest rumors floating around the garage area after Sunday’s race in Martinsville, VA are gaining traction this week!

First of all, it appears that David Reutimann is out of the driver’s seat of the  Michael Waltrip Racing #00 Aaron’s/Tums Toyota at the . . . → Read More: NASCAR Silly Season Is In Full Swing!]]>

(WOMR file photo)

The latest rumors floating around the garage area after Sunday’s race in Martinsville, VA are gaining traction this week!

Musical chairs at Michael Waltrip Racing:

First of all, it appears that David Reutimann is out of the driver’s seat of the  Michael Waltrip Racing #00 Aaron’s/Tums Toyota at the end of this season.  The talk in the garage is that Mark Martin will slide into to #00 Aaron’s/Tums Toyota on a partial schedule.  There has not been an announcement of who will fill in for Martin in the races that he will not be driving the race car.  The formal announcement from MWR will be forth coming at Texsas Motor Speedway this weekend.

This from Bob Dillner on Race Hub:

Dilner contacted David Reutimann via text message on Tuesday.  Reutimann returned the text stating that he, Reutimann, had “zero” to talk about regarding his place with MWR in 2012!  Ty Norris, a VIP with Michael Waltrip Racing, stated to Dillner that there would be an announcement at the Texas Motor Speedway that would answer most everyone’s questions on this subject.

If this comes to fruition at Michael Waltrip Racing, the line up will have Clint Bowyer driving the MWR #15 5-Hour Energy Drick Toyota, Martin Truex, Jr. driving the MWR #56 Napa Toyota, and Mark Marin driving a partial schedule in the MWR #00 Aaron’s Toyota.  There is a possibility of Michael Waltrip racing the restrictor plate races, plus a few more to fill out the season in the MWR #00 Aaron’s Toyota.  That gives MWR a powerhouse of talent for the 2012 season!

From the Stewart-Haas Racing rumor mill:

There is talk going around that Darien Grubb will be out as the crew chief for Tony Stewart’s #14 Office Depot/Burger King Chevy at the end of the season.  It is rumored that Steve Addington, the crew chief for the Penske Racing #22 Shell/Penzoil Dodge driven by Kurt Busch, will be hired to take over the crew chief for 2012!

From Roush-Fenway Racing:

It has been rumored that the Roush-Fenway #6 Ford driven by David Ragan may be parked, if no sponsorship can be secured for the 2012 season.  Roush has said that he would be willing to run Matt Kenseth’s #17 Ford  unsponsored for 2012, if necessay.  However, without sponsorship for the #6 team for 2012 would result in folding the team.  That leaves David Ragan as the odd man out at Roush-Fenway Racing.

Nevertheless, Ragan has been upbeat about his 2012 possibilities.  The assumption is that Roush has given Ragan the freedom to pursue other employment opportunities.

Stay tuned as the puzzle pieces start to be placed in the appropriate places for 2012!

TIL NEXT TIME, I AM STILL WORKING ON MY REDNECK!

(photo courtesy Harold Hinson)

Every since Michael Waltrip started up his own race team, MWR, it appears that there has been something missing that would take MWR to the next level.  The organization has only won two races, both of them by David Reutimann.  That team has been very erratic, and so . . . → Read More: It’s Official, Bowyer Moves To Michael Waltrip Racing]]>

(photo courtesy Harold Hinson)

Every since Michael Waltrip started up his own race team, MWR, it appears that there has been something missing that would take MWR to the next level.  The organization has only won two races, both of them by David Reutimann.  That team has been very erratic, and so has the  Martin Truex, Jr. race team.

Friday, at the Kansas Speedway, Michael Waltrip announced the signing of Clint Bowyer to drive the MWR #15 5Hour Energy Drink Toyota beginning in 2012.  Bowyer is a  former Nationwide champion, and a multiple winner at the Sprint Cup level for Richard Childress Racing.  Is this the piece of the puzzle that has been missing for MWR?

Clearly that is what everybody at MWR, Toyota and new sponsor 5-Hour Energy is hoping in hiring a driver whom many firmly believe is one of the top wheelmen in the garages. They are hoping that Bowyer will help the team reach the Chase next season and then do well once in those playoffs.

Clint Bowyer is extremely optimistic about the prognosis for MWR in 2012.

“I see a young, aggressive team,” he said. “Great backing with Toyota behind them in a down market. I see a young, energetic sponsor in the same boat. Both of them are pushing forward. They’re spending.  I see this as an opportunity to catch up, period. I think that there’s no question MWR has done a great job with marketing for their sponsors and keeping sponsors. Better than anybody in the garage area.”

“I see their performance improving week in and week out, so I had to work my butt off to make sure I was on top of them before I walked into this deal here. I just see this as a wonderful opportunity for me to prove myself to everybody. I mean, when you go into RCR (Richard Childress Racing) that has already won many championships and had the success Richard’s (Childress) had, you’re just kind of another guy there. If we can go on and put them in the Chase and continue to move forward with MWR, you’re going to build your brand even better.”

Bowyer was to become a free agent after the current season, 2011. About three months ago, he said, he was approached by 5-Hour Energy about being his sponsor in 2012.

Bowyer said he approached RCR about staying with that team with 5-Hour as his primary sponsor but no deal could be worked out.

Asked about that Friday, Bowyer said, “We’re not here to talk about that.  We’re here to talk about the future and it just didn’t work out.  It was a shame.  Like I said, I owe a great deal to Richard (Richard).  It was just a few miles down the road I was standing in a body shop when that man called me.  I will never forget that day and I owe a lot to him for that, but I also owe him this opportunity as well.”

As it stands, RCR’s lineup next season will consist of Kevin Harvick, Jeff Burton and Paul Menard. Also, presumably, waiting in the wings is Austin Dillon, Childress’ grandson who has been impressive in the Camping World Trucks Series.

MWR was more than willing to put Bowyer in one of its rides and on Friday, the deal became official.

“I think timing is everything,” Bowyer said. “It’s so weird how all of this has happened. The minute one door closes, it’s like somebody is looking after you and just kind of putting me on this path. As one door would close the other one would open and it was almost like the very next step. It didn’t matter who you were talking to, there was a closed door and an opened door and it just kind of led to this. I truly feel like this is where I’m supposed to be and I think that is a great thing.”

What is your thoughts about Bowyer moving over to Michael Waltrip Racing?

TIL NEXT TIME, I AM STILL WORKING ON MY REDNECK!

(workingonmyredneck file photo)

It has been almost a week since the “feel good” story of the 2011 Daytona 500 happened. As WOMR was preparing for the trip down to Daytona this year, the over whelming story line was the 10th anniversary of Dale Earnhardt, Sr.’s tragic death.  Most all of the media . . . → Read More: The 2011 Daytona 500: A Reflection]]>

(workingonmyredneck file photo)

It has been almost a week since the “feel good” story of the 2011 Daytona 500 happened. As WOMR was preparing for the trip down to Daytona this year, the over whelming story line was the 10th anniversary of Dale Earnhardt, Sr.’s tragic death.  Most all of the media was focusing in on celebrating the life of “The Intimidator”.

However, coinciding with this 10th anniversary was the release of Michael Waltrip’s book, “In The Blink of An Eye”.  WOMR finished reading the before making the journey to Daytona.  It is a must read for the NASCAR fan.  Waltrip describes his early years and his desire to follow his older brother Darrell Waltrip into the racing world, his relationship with his family, specifically ol DW, his relationship with Richard Petty, and specifically his relationship with Dale Earnhardt, Sr.

Mikey relives the day that he broke his 0 fer 462 string, that is how he described his lack of wins in his NASCAR career up to that point.  That day was February 18, 2001, the day that he won the Daytona 500, also the day that his good friend and boss lost his life in the Daytona 500.  It was supposed to be the very best day of his life!  Unfortunately, it turned out to be the, self described, worst day of his life!

Notwithstanding all of the above, there were media writers with two other story lines.  One of which was what it would be like if Michael Waltrip would win the 2011 Daytona 500, a fitting tribute by Michael to Dale,Sr.  Other writers were giving credence to the fact that, because Dale Earnhardt, Jr. had won the pole for 2011 Dayton 500, “the prodigal son” could have an excellent shot at winning the 2011 Daytona 500.

But not one single writer had given any thought to the idea that the Wood Brothers Racing had any possible chance to score a Daytona 500 victory!

Nevertheless, reflecting back on Trevor Bayne, the Wood Brothers, and the happenings of this year’s “Great American Race”, the story was such a fairy tale come true.  The Hollywood movie script writers, in their wildest dreams, couldn’t have written this story, and made it believable!

The fact that the Wood Brothers, one of the oldest and most storied race teams in NASCAR, had not won a Sprint Cup race in ten years.  Secondly they hire, with the help of Jack Roush, a 19 year old race car driver that is relatively unheard of to drive their very famous Motorcraft #21 Ford in race 17 races for 2011.  This combination does not make for winning the Daytona 500 these days.

Nevertheless, that is exactly what transpired on February 20, 2011.

What a great story not just for motor sports, but for all sports!  This is the story of the ultimate underdog triumphantly over-coming astronomical odds!

What are your views on this 2011 ultimate feel good story in NASCAR?

TIL NEXT TIME, I AM STILL WORKING ON MY REDNECK!

Michael Waltrip Racing and NAPA AUTO PARTS announced that two-time Daytona 500 winner Michael Waltrip will drive the #15 NAPA Toyota in his 25th consecutive Daytona 500 on Feb. 20.

“This is a very special day,” said Waltrip who unveiled the #15 NAPA paint scheme Tuesday morning during the . . . → Read More: Waltrip Entering The 2011 Daytona 500]]>

(photo courtesy nascar)

Michael Waltrip Racing and NAPA AUTO PARTS announced that two-time Daytona 500 winner Michael Waltrip will drive the #15 NAPA Toyota in his 25th consecutive Daytona 500 on Feb. 20.

“This is a very special day,” said Waltrip who unveiled the #15 NAPA paint scheme Tuesday morning during the annual Charlotte Motor Speedway media tour.  Waltrip’s MWR NAPA #15 Toyota will be black in honor of his close friend and former car owner, Dale Earnhardt,Sr.

(photo courtesy jayski.com)

“Ten years ago I won the 500 in my first race with NAPA and we know February 18, 2001 is a day that NASCAR fans will never forget. What looked to be a storybook ending turned to tragedy seconds later. To mark the 10th anniversary of that race and my 25th consecutive 500 will be quite emotional for me and fans alike.”

Waltrip broke a 0-for-462 streak when he won the 2001 Daytona 500 in his very first attempt driving for car owner Dale Earnhardt, who died in a turn four accident on the final lap. Waltrip chronicles the events of that weekend as well as his life and the challenges building a Sprint Cup organization in his book “In the Blink of an Eye” that goes on sale Feb. 1.

“I’ve spent much of last year writing the book. It forced me to put into words a lot of emotions from that weekend and how we and the whole NASCAR world dealt with the loss of Dale,” said Waltrip. “When I got my first copy the other day I told people that I felt like I had given birth. The book has become a part of me and I know fans are going to love it.”

“Hard to believe 10 years have passed since that fateful day in 2001 when we celebrated Michael’s Daytona 500 win and unfortunately mourned the loss of our friend, Dale Earnhardt,” commented Bob Susor, NAPA President. “We could not think of a better way to honor our friend, Dale as well as mark this milestone in Michael’s career than to bring the NAPA #15 back to the Daytona 500 with a special paint scheme. We are hopeful fans, family and friends enjoy the tribute to both Michael and Dale.”

While Waltrip will certainly relive events of a decade past, this year’s time on the track and Daytona will be all about winning. While he has competed in just a handful of races in 2010, Waltrip finished 18th in last year’s race and lead laps at both Talladega Superspeedway races.

Waltrip won’t be alone in the draft at Daytona. MWR will also field cars for #56 NAPA Toyota driver Martin Truex Jr. and the #00 Aaron’s Toyota for David Reutimann.

Waltrip and Darrell Waltrip are the only brother combination to win the Daytona 500 and Michael’s 2001 and 2003 victories made him one of only eight drivers with multiple wins in NASCAR most prestigious race. The 2011 Daytona 500 marks Waltrip’s 764th Sprint Cup start and 1,049th NASCAR start. Waltrip, Richard Petty and Mark Martin are the only drivers with more than 1,000 starts.

WOMR can’t wait to see the ol #15 NAPA Toyota roll onto the Daytona International Speedway in this year’s speed week!

What is you thoughts on the 10th anniversary of Dale, Sr’s death?  What about Mikey and his tribute to his former boss?

TIL NEXT TIME, I AM STILL WORKING ON MY REDNECK!

A few years ago the “Clown Prince of NASCAR” was interviewed and was asked where he got his sense of humor.  His response was that he got his sense of humor from his mom.

“She was the one in our family who always had a joke or a funny . . . → Read More: Mikey Takes It On The Road, Tries His Hand At Comedy]]>

(photo courtesy nascar)

A few years ago the “Clown Prince of NASCAR” was interviewed and was asked where he got his sense of humor.  His response was that he got his sense of humor from his mom.

“She was the one in our family who always had a joke or a funny remark. My mom was able to make us laugh, and that laughter helped lighten up a lot of dark moments. She taught us that sometimes you have to laugh or cry, and that it’s better to laugh if you can,” Waltrip said.

Obviously that advice has served him well through a racing career that has had more jerky movement than a 1950′s elevator at J.C. Penney’s!  Notwithstanding, Mikey is taking his act on the road.  Waltrip, in addition to being a NASCAR team owner, is going to try his hand at standup comedy.

One can only hope he knows what he’s getting into. As indicated by some of the barbed reader responses to a story by RacinToday.com’s Jim Pedley about Waltrip’s aspiring comic career, he may be facing some tough crowds.

Someone wondered if, based on his track struggles, Michael had ever been arrested for impersonating a race driver! Another said it’s a fitting move, since his entire racing career has been a joke.

Comedy, he’ll discover, is no laughing matter. Crashing in a comedy club can hurt just as much as crashing at Talladega, Daytona, Bristol, or anywhere else that requires the endurance of an instant mega-G stop!

Nevertheless, Waltrip has a thick skin. After all, nothing has ever come easy for him, starting with having to follow in the footsteps of his famous big brother Darrell.  Darrell, 17 years Michael’s senior, was an established superstar when his kid brother was still running dirt tracks around Owensboro, Ky. When Mikey moved up, fans expected him to be as great as his brother. Michael Waltrip, like Kyle Petty, discovered he had an impossible act to follow!

Even his greatest triumph came with a huge price tag, the most somber of dark shadows. What should have been the highlight of his racing career, a victory in the 2001 Daytona 500, was shrouded by the death of his car owner, and good friend, Dale Earnhardt, Sr.

Michael’s brightest moment turned into racing’s blackest day!

Like a lot of people who endure hard life experiences, including Pulitzer Prize-winning humorist Dave Barry, Waltrip found refuge in humor.  Mickey was no exception.

Michael’s natural wit, his likeable personality, and his down home demeanor have served him well.  Those attributes have made him one of the most successful pitchmen in that sport’s history.  Even when he wasn’t winning races, his commercials were selling NAPA parts and Aaron’s furniture!

When Mikey takes the mike and starts cracking jokes one can only hope he knows what he’s in for. Those late-night heckling bar audiences can be brutal!

Out on the stage there’s no safety rescue crews waiting in the wings to rush to his aid, no Jaws of Life to pry a comic from the wreckage if he bombs and crashes, and no infield care facility waiting to breathe life into a dying comedy routine!  He’s on his own out there.

Hopefully it’ll work out OK, and Waltrip’s comedy tour will prove truly laughable.

What is your take on Mikey “taking it on the road” and trying his hand at comedy?

TIL NEXT TIME, I AM STILL WORKING ON MY REDNECK!

(photo courtesy Jason Smith/Getty Images)

After 25 years and 759 starts in NASCAR, Michael Waltrip is backing off of the “get loud” pedal.  That’s right, Mikey plans to slow up, but only on the race track.  The owner of Michael Waltrip Racing, which fields cars for David Reutimann and now Martin Truex, . . . → Read More: Mikey’s Gettin’ Out Of The Gas]]>

(photo courtesy Jason Smith/Getty Images)

After 25 years and 759 starts in NASCAR, Michael Waltrip is backing off of the “get loud” pedal.  That’s right, Mikey plans to slow up, but only on the race track.  The owner of Michael Waltrip Racing, which fields cars for David Reutimann and now Martin Truex, Jr., is bringing his driving career to a halt.

“I’m going to run Daytona, The Shootout, and the 500.  That’s the only Cup races that I am going to run in 2010″, Waltrip said Wednesday night during a stop at the NASCAR Media Tour sponsored by the Charlotte Motor Speedway.  “I am comfortable with that,” Waltrip notes.  In his 25 years of Sprint Cup racing he has notched 4 points race victories, two of those were the Daytona 500 of 2001 and 2003.  Additionally, Waltrip won The All-Star race several years ago for the Wood Brothers Racing in their famous #21 Ford.

For Waltrip’s 2010 Sprint Cup venture, and as kind of a variation of and throw back to the “good times’ with Dale Earnhardt, Inc., and to commemorate his four victories, Mikey is turning in his #55 NAPA Toyota Camry for the #51 NAPA Toyota Camry. ( Waltip’s four Cup victories were in the DEI #15 NAPA Chevy.)

Even though Waltrip is climbing out of his Sprint Cup ride, the #55 Napa Toyota Camry, he is not pulling the plug completely on his driving career.  Mikey has been working on putting together a deal to drive in The Camping World Truck Series.  He has a partial schedule package with Billy Ballew Motorsports, that’s the team that Kyle Busch had driven for in the #51 Miccosukee Tundra truck.

At 46 years old, Michael Waltrip would like to end his career with a big win, like another Daytona 500 victory!  Even though Waltrip is slowing his driving career down, he is still very much involved in NASCAR.  He is the force behind Michael Waltrip Racing, as well as a TV analyst  for Speed TV.

So fret not sports fans, Mikey is not riding off into the NASCAR sunset!  Sit down in your favorite easy chair and buckle up, ’cause we will still be privy to the quirkiness of Michael Waltrip for years to come!

TIL NEXT TIME, I AM STILL WORKING ON MY REDNECK!