Misc. Columns, Steve's Stuff

Who’s At 1,000 Starts In NASCAR? Mikey!

Wednesday, October 22, 2008 166 reads
Steve Langley

Michael Waltrip has been in the forefront of NASCAR since his first career start at the 1985 Coca-cola World 600 in Charlotte. Waltrip finished 28th that day and His brother Darrell Waltrip brought home the win. This Sunday at Atlanta, Waltrip will make his 1,000th career NASCAR start, second only to Richard Petty who sits at 1,184 starts.

Photo by Steve Langley

Waltrip said, “The 1,000 starts defines my attitude, which has been, for a long time, that I’m all-in. I love racing. This is what I do, whether it’s TV commercials or TV shows or the Truck Series broadcasts. Whatever it is, it’s all about the sport and trying to deliver it to the masses, whether it’s on TV or the way I race my car.”

“I want people to love my sport as much as I do. So every day, when I wake up, I hope that I can make somebody like my sport as much as I do.”

And to the masses is right. Seems like every time you turn on the TV you see Waltrip. He has put himself out there for the world to see. It is according which hat he is wearing as to what Michael Waltrip you will hear. From his owners hat, to a drivers hat, a sponsor hat, to an announcer hat, you will hear a different Michael Waltrip. But you can be assured, Michael will give 100 percent as to which hat he is wearing.

The funny and likable Waltrip is the one most everyone has fallen for. He can make light of most any situation and fill a room with laughter. But when it comes to being a car owner, he is as serious as they come. He has built his team from the ground up and is doing much better in the racing world. In only his second year as owner and driver of his racing team, each week him and his drivers are gaining in the points for a better beginning at Daytona with hopes of getting all his cars in the top 35 for the first five races of 2009.

Asked about his success as far as his cup career Waltrip said, “Throughout my career I just never was able to line up the stars to have multi-win seasons and accomplish a lot that I’d hoped I would in the Cup Series, but God Blessed me with two Daytona trophies and I’ll take those, any day”.

So Michael, thanks for all the years and congratulations on your 1,000th start. We hope to see you in NASCAR for many, many more.