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Efforts Underway To Cleanse Waltrip’s Imageby Capt. Herb Emory ~ February 23rd, 2007. Filed under: Captain's Corner. |
The television cameras were not even warmed up good at Daytona before the great American public relations spin was put in motion.
It was a group image-improvement effort that began before NASCAR had even determined what kind of punishment Michael Waltrip would get for sneaking some sort of fuel additive into the manifold of his NAPA-sponsored Toyota.
Waltrip first claimed it was oil. His brother, the driver-turned-television racing reporter Darrell, was quick to jump to Mikey’s defense when the infraction was discovered urging his viewers not to make a big deal out of the situation.
One of Michael’s first interviews on the issue included a depressed-sounding car owner citing Bible verses and talking about prayers. Reminded me of the Jimmy Swaggart affair from years ago.
Over and over most the announcers on the programs leading up to the Daytona 500 were always trying to smooth out the bumps in what was becoming the big story of Speedweeks. It seemed the only one that didn’t try to sugar-coat the cheating scandal during the entire week was Dave Despain.
Ole’ DW though thought the big story of the week should be that the startup operation by his brother had all three of their cars in their first race. I don’t think it mattered to him how they got there. The $100,000 fine for cheating was gonna be chicken feed compared to the $778,866 the team collected in prize money for their finishes in the Daytona 500.
The Fox coverage had been on less than five minutes when Darrell began advising NASCAR that they better watch out that they might be sending the wrong message that too much cheating was going on. I guess he meant maybe some of the cheaters should just be allowed to continue to race without punishment?
Then a little later DW dropped the big bomb as far as I am concerned. Waltrip, whose brother owns three Toyota cars in the Nextel Cup Series and who himself operates a Toyota truck racing operation and collects some big bucks for making Toyota television and radio commercials, reported that the Camry was the only car in the field made in the United States.
“The Monte Carlo and Dodge are made in Canada and the Fusion is made in Mexico,” exclaimed the announcer that collects a lot of money from Toyota for doing those funny commercials where he drives thru people’s homes and yards.
What he was doing from the broadcast booth in Daytona sounded like a free commercial message to me. It just seemed wrong. When would the folks from Ford, Chevy and Dodge have their fair chance to respond? The only way Ford, Chevy or Dodge people were going to get a plug like that was if they used a paid commercial. It seemed like that should be against some sort of Federal Communications Commission or Security and Exchange Commission rules!
I guess it must be okay though since Waltrip’s microphone was not confiscated before he could get the boogity chant out.
Darrell didn’t have any trouble trying to Americanize the Japanese car maker. He did however leave out some important issues to some Americans. He failed to mention anything about Pearl Harbor or about the one Ford plant and two General Motors plants that have been shut down just in the Atlanta area since I moved there in the 1972.
Darrell didn’t talk about NASCAR’s first champion Robert “Red” Byron. Byron won the first race in 1948 on the beach/road course and went on to claim the championship. Byron had been shot down by the Japanese while fighting in the Aleutian Islands before returning to America as a war hero and soon-to-be championship NASCAR driver.
Thank the Lord the radio coverage of the Daytona 500 had begun by then and I could hit my television mute switch and turn off the brainwashing effort of DW and all his announcing buddies. The rest of the day was a pleasure listening to the honest and non-biased coverage of Barney Hall and Joe Moore on the Motor Racing Network. Barney and Joe didn’t hock a single bobble head doll for the entire 202 laps. Sweet!
California: It is off to Hollywood for the NASCAR teams this weekend. California Speedway opened in 1997 and was famous for some pretty boring races in the infant years. The two-mile track near Los Angeles had one race on the yearly schedule until NASCAR cut Darlington’s Labor Day classic from the lineup to give a second race to California in 2004.
Jeff Gordon is the shining star at the speedway. Gordon is the only driver with multiple wins there. The No 24 claimed the checkered flags three times in 1997, 1999 and 2004.
The one-time winners at California include Kasey Kahne (2006), Matt Kenseth (2006), Kyle Busch (2005), Greg Biffle (2005), Elliott Sadler (2004), Kurt Busch (2003), Jimmie Johnson (2002), Jeremy Mayfield (2000) and Mark Martin (1998).
The top-five finishers of last year’s February race at California were Matt Kenseth, Jimmie Johnson, Carl Edwards, Kasey Kahne and Jeff Burton. Greg Biffle collected the bonus points for leading the most laps. Biffle led 168 of the 251-lap event before losing an engine and finishing 42nd.
Nine different drivers traded the lead 18 times during the race. Other drivers leading more than one lap included Matt Kenseth (40), Tony Stewart (28), Kurt Busch (7), Jeff Gordon (3) and J.J. Yeley (2).
There were seven caution flag incidents and the race took just under three hours and 24 minutes to complete.
Kurt Busch was the Bud Pole Awards winner for the 2006 event.
Georgia Boys: David Ragan’s first Daytona 500 had a mix of emotions. The Unadilla driver claimed over a half-million dollars in prize money for his fifth-place finish in the Great American Race. He was the highest finishing rookie driver in the event. It was Ragan’s first Daytona 500 start and only his third time in a Nextel Cup race.
David was also able to lead the first few laps of the qualifying race for the Daytona 500, but tire trouble for the No. 6 led to an encounter with the wall. Ragan was in a crash during Saturday’s Busch Series race and finished 43rd.
Peachtree City’s Reed Sorenson took home $280,657 for his 13th-place run in the Daytona 500. Sorenson had started the race from the 33rd position after a crash in the qualifying race for the event.
Sorenson had rough luck in the Busch race. Reed finished 38th after engine trouble sidelined his car.
Most of the Georgia boys in the Craftsman Truck race at Daytona left with smiles. Joey Clanton, of Fayette County, re-entered the truck racing circuit after a couple of years off and claimed a top-ten finish. Clanton started 18th and finished sixth in his No. 09 Ford.
Cobb County’s Bill Lester had an impressive start to his driving agreement with Woodstock-based Billy Ballew Motorsports. Lester logged an 11th-place finish in the No. 15 Chevrolet.
Cherokee County driver Chase Miller had a good run going until a crash on 87th-lap of the truck race. Miller collected 22nd-place pay for his first run of the season in the No. 4 Dodge.
High Speed TV:
Friday February 23
1:30 p.m. California Busch Practice—ESPN2
2:30 p.m. California Nextel Cup Practice—Speed
4:00 p.m. California Craftsman Truck Qualifying—Speed
5:30 p.m. California Nextel Cup Qualifying—Speed
9:00 p.m. Craftsman Truck California 200—Speed
Saturday February 24
11:00 a.m. Trackside—Speed
3:00 p.m. California Nextel Cup Practice—Speed
3:00 p.m. California Busch Series Qualifying—ESPN2
5:00 p.m. California Nextel Cup Happy Hour—Speed
6:30 p.m. NASCAR Live—Speed
7:30 p.m. Busch Series California 300—ESPN2
Sunday February 25
10:00 a.m. NASCAR Now—ESPN2
1:00 p.m. NASCAR Raceday—Speed
3:00 p.m. Nextel Cup California 500—Fox (ch.5)
7:00 p.m. The Speed Report—Speed
8:00 p.m. NASCAR Victory Lane—Speed
9:00 p.m. Wind Tunnel—Speed Channel
Saturday’s Allan Vigil Ford 120 will air following Georgia basketball (approximately 3:00 p.m.) until 5:00 p.m. on Newstalk 750 WSB Radio and www.wsbradio.com. For more race information visit our Fastcar Newsdesk at www.captainherb.net.
The 2007 4th Annual Route 66 Restorations, Inc. “Don’t You Wish It Was Spring Cruise-In” will be Sunday March 4th, 2007 from 2:00 - 6:00 P.M. at the shop. Rain Date is Sunday March 11th. Please Bring Non Perishable Food Items as a donation to the St. Vincent DePaul Society’s Food Bank. There’ll be Music, Food, Prizes, Shop Tours, Food, and Fun.
3700 Burnette Park Dr. Suite H Suwanee, GA. 30024
Phone: 678-714-6606
Internet: www.rt66restorations.com
February 23rd, 2007 at 6:22 pm
You are right on about the Waltrips I’m sick of their biased opinions. Michael is nothing but a sponsors whore. Ask Darrel why Toyota reports their earnings in Yen if they are so American?
February 23rd, 2007 at 7:47 pm
Sir:
I liked your comments about the Waltip clan and their constant bally-hooing of their sponsers. I’m so sick of MW that I don’t even watch the truck races any more. I just can’t stand the guy. I gave up on Inside Nextel
Cup last year for the same reason.
As for DW, I want to be informed, not intertained.There’s alway Comedy Central for the entertainment part.
Thanks for letting me respond.
February 24th, 2007 at 7:18 am
While I agree with most all you have said, I have to agree with DW on the Toyota being the only American built car on the track.
30 years ago, when America demanded 4 cyl. fuel efficient cars, Ford went to Mazda, GM went to Isuzu and Chrysler went to Mitsubishi because they either did not want to or could not build what the country Needed.
Toyota owners are pleased with performance, reliability, WARRANTIES and most of all that THEY have put Americans to Work while the other 3 are dead set on Outsourcing.
I hail from Norfolk, Va where everybody worked the Navy or the Ford F150 plant.
Ford is closing their plant within 2 years of nearly doubling the plant size which involved a HUGE land purchase on the South Side of Indian River Road. Untold MILLIONS spent just to close it down, to my simple mind, sounds like a Major Business Screwup.
Sorry, but if 90% of the cost of a vehicle is in manufacturing and stays in the originating Country and 10% is manufacturers profit to it’s shareholders, then I have to support the Americans keeping the money here.
February 24th, 2007 at 10:28 am
Another American car basher but lets not start there: Let us start with Ford, Chevy and Dodge all being brought down by the unions with there over paid over compensated workers, what have put the big 3 out of business are its over paid under funded pension funds they are closing plants not Toyota! Toyota has proven that you can come in pay a decent wage and produce a quality car and have loyal employees. DW was right as far as I am concerned Ford, Chevy and Dodge “soon to be a Chevy” are foreign Manufactures doing business in the USA. So until the big 3 soon to be big 2 get a clue and they will when they reopen there plants with non-union help will they ever see a break or sympathy from a fast growing part of America. Those that are sick of huge corporations complaining about loosing money on there way to there 5000 acre ranch in Montana giving a news conference from there GULFSTREAM V Lear Jet Boo Hoo.
P.S.
Audi, Honda, Nissan, BMW and Mercedes just 5 more American made cars and motorcycles flourishing in the USA what is wrong with the big 3 is the question, not weather Toyota belongs in the NASCAR racing series
February 24th, 2007 at 11:03 am
If we are going to bash DW & MW for supporting their sponsor, then we better be fair and bash every car and driver on the circuit. That is part of the system and every race team gets big bucks for getting coverage everytime anyone glances their way. I am not particularily a Toyota fan, but had no problem with what DW said. Fact is Toyota is buiding cars and doing well on American soil when American companies are going downhill fast. Maybe instead of bashing what works we should take a lesson.
February 24th, 2007 at 8:06 pm
Time marches on,and I know we’re in for alot of changes in NASCAR, but I’m trying to hold on to some of the traditions that made this sport great.
Everyone has a right to his or her opinion and mine is I think both Waltrips are egomaniacs and I have grown very weary listening to their BULL ! And as for Toyota, their cars are just more added to my do not like list.
It is time to hit the mute button on the TV and turn on the radio.
February 24th, 2007 at 10:52 pm
Thank you Captain Herb for bringing out what needs to be shouted out! I think there should be some disclaimer before any broadcast involving the Waltrips stating that they are on the payroll for Toyota!
If DW got a dollar (or Yen) for everytime he mentioned Toyota during the Bud Shootout alone he could afford a new Avalon! And they are not cheap!
Should’nt GM, Ford and Dodge have an DW equal in the booth shouting the virtues of their makes?
Is a Nike shoe a Indonesian shoe because it is made there? I think not!
Just because the Japanese car companies have suckered willing states in the US for tremendous tax breaks for the “Priviledge” of Toyota placing a factory in our land…we are supposed to embrace them?
Toyota’s goal is the elimination of the American car makes….They receive R & D money from the government of Japan and the yen is kept at an artificial level to destroy American industry. If what you want is to become a third world type labor source for Japan - then keep supporting Toyota.
The American car industry for all its faults…has been here since the turn of last century…it is not just a car…it is glass, plastic, steel, rubber, electronics, fabric. All of which probably touched one of your lives or your parents or grandparents lives many times.
Next time…really look at the MPG of a Toyota Truck vs. an American Truck and see what you find…Next time look at the price of a Toyota Sienna Minivan vs. a Chrysler minivan…you may be surprised.
Perceived value and value is not always the same!
Thanks for your time!
February 25th, 2007 at 11:46 am
I too wish that NASCAR would get their heads out of the sand and really crack down on the cheating. I got really sick of hearing Michael and Darrell for that matter talking about Toyota and personally I am a Chevy man and where did the Chevrolet’s go, but win the darn race with no less than five of them competing for the win and who led the most laps, but Kyle Bush in a Hendrick Chevy. I personally think that Michael should have not only been fined the way that he was, but never allowed to race and I for one wish that they would boot him off of the truck race broacasts as well because he thinks he knows more than he really does. Many people think he is such a great driver, but I personally think he he needs to hang it up and give NAPA somone else to brag about that can really drive.
February 26th, 2007 at 8:08 am
( I am Kevin H fan and a DE#3 fan). I support Michael Waltrip 100%. I think he was sincere in his sorry’s. He does not need to shed blood for me. He car was certainly not the first that was caught cheating. ( Cant remember who but early 2000’s I believe someone tried putting an additive in there gas and got caught)I do not think for one Minute that MW was to blame, yes the buck stops with him, but it was someone under his employ. MW took the blame and the crap that came with it with more dignity than anyone in this thread certainly has. Get the list of all the cheaters over the years of nascar and let us know if you have forgiven them? If Mikey was my brother I would come out for him too, so I lay no blame on DW.
This is not about MW or DW at all. It is about a hate of Toyota coming into nascar. No more no less. Toyota makes a great car ( I own a Ford and Jeep). Toyota employs many Americans. Where ever there is Toyota Dealer or plant they pay there taxes.
I bet if Jeffy, or Jimmy Johnson or Jr. was driving a Toyota and something like this happened they would be above reproach. After all they walk on water. This whole deal would of been sweep under the carpet very fast and everyone would of forgiven them the second they came out and said I’m sorry.
You cheat, you get caught, you pay your dues and you move on. No one is better than the other in this. Now get over it and move on. Next time it may be your favorite driver or car type.
February 26th, 2007 at 8:23 am
HOORAY !!!!!!for Dave D, he`s trying to do a good fair job.
I’m sick of the Waltrips,they ARE SO FAKE !! I wouldn’t buy a TOY, even if I wanted one because of them—(which I don’t)
I’m AMERICAN and I suport America made products( or American based products) where the money stays in our country. Not that it does any good. Americans are intent on destroying their own country. We are becoming just like the third world countries— which the wealthy want—onward Waltrips !!!!!!
February 26th, 2007 at 2:03 pm
Based on what happened last season regarding “cheating” - - I smell a CHAMPIONSHIP for Michael Waltrip Racing in 2007 - - at least Michael was MAN enough to take responsibility - - - enough said ???