Race Weekend Central

2010 NASCAR Driver Review: Michael Waltrip

Michael Waltrip

2010 Rides: Michael Waltrip Racing No. 51 Toyota (Daytona), PRISM Motorsports No. 55 Toyota (Bristol and both Talladega races)
2010 Primary Sponsors: NAPA Auto Parts (Daytona), Aaron’s 55th Anniversary (both Talladega races)
2010 Owners: Michael Waltrip (No. 51), Phil Parsons (No. 55)
2010 Crew Chiefs: Bobby Kennedy (No. 51); Zach McGowan (No. 55)
2010 Stats: 4 starts, 0 wins, 0 top fives, 0 top 10s, 0 poles, 55th in points

High Point: Any race that Waltrip can qualify for AND finish has to be a high point. Using that as a guideline, Mikey’s high came in the 2010 season debut with an 18th-place finish at Daytona. Next was a 28th-place finish at the second showing of Talladega.

Low Point: Again, going by criteria set forth above, the two DNQs (Michigan, Sonoma) had to hurt worse than the two DNFs at Bristol and Talladega!

Summary: Despite a poor showing whenever he strapped himself in a car this year, no one can honestly say, what with all the talking Mikey does for various networks and shows, that you didn’t get enough of Michael Waltrip. Tell me I’m wrong!

Team Ranking: Fourth. But from the “that’s pretty apropo” file, Michael Waltrip finished the season with an overall ranking of 55th!

Off-Track News: Look, I think Mikey is a nice guy, however, the number of shows that he is on for various networks gets a bit overbearing. Now he is doing book signings and some kind of comedy tour! I suggest, should you want to know all of what Michael is up to, check out www.michaelwaltripracing.com. It will tell you everything you want to know.

2011 Outlook: According to PR from michaelwaltripracing.com, Michael plans to “…climb behind the wheel of a Sprint Cup car for another shot at the Daytona 500, the new race at Kentucky Speedway and possibly a few more races along the way. He’s doesn’t race to just ride around!” Whatever the outcome of those efforts may be, just bet your bottom dollar that Michael will have plenty to say about it: good results or bad.

2006 Frontstretch Grade: D
2007 Grade: D-
2008 Grade: C-
2009 Grade: D
2010 Grade: D-

About the author

The Frontstretch Staff is made up of a group of talented men and women spread out all over the United States and Canada. Residing in 15 states throughout the country, plus Ontario, and widely ranging in age, the staff showcases a wide variety of diverse opinions that will keep you coming back for more week in and week out.

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