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August 14, 2007
HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. – Michael Waltrip steps back into the driver’s seat of his No. 55 NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota Camry for this weekend’s 3M Performance 400 at Michigan International Speedway (MIS). The driver is eager to return to MIS after he produced his best finish so far this season of 10th after starting 18th in the Citizens Bank 400 on June 13.
After a challenging first half of the year, the NAPA driver is starting to see results and appreciates the assistance two-time NASCAR champion Terry Labonte has provided to his organization. Now, Waltrip is looking to add another top-10 result to his Michigan credits that include 1 pole, eight top-10 starts and nine top-10 finishes along with a Busch Series victory at the 2-mile oval.
NAPA AUTO PARTS driver Michael Waltrip:
Thoughts on returning to Michigan International Speedway:
“I’m looking forward to going back there. In June, we had a good 18th- place qualifying effort and an even better finish of 10th. Michigan is a great track, and it’s always an exciting race for both the drivers and the fans, so I am looking forward to driving my NAPA Camry. I think all three of my teams will qualify again this weekend. I believe we are gaining that type of momentum. I really honestly believe in my heart that all three cars from MWR will race on Sunday.”
Feelings on having Terry Labonte in the NAPA Camry for three races:
“When you look back at Watkins Glen qualifying over the last four years, three times rain washed out qualifying, so when we were looking to have Terry help us, it only made sense to put him in the car because of those weather stats. And sure enough, it rained out qualifying. If I had not put Terry in the car last weekend, the NAPA Camry would have gone home. Instead, Terry’s past champion’s provisional allowed the NAPA Camry to start the race, and in turn, earn valuable points. Now, if it rains this weekend in Michigan, the NAPA team will be in the race. The points Terry got for us in Watkins Glen with his 30th-place finish helped us pass the No. 49 car in owner points. It hoisted us into the top-43 group. That just shows you when a plan works out, it really does help in many areas of our program. There’s a bigger picture than just getting in one race. If it rains Friday, all three Michael Waltrip Racing Toyota Camry’s will start.”
Michael Waltrip Fast Facts
NAPA AUTO PARTS driver Michael Waltrip will attempt to qualify for his 681st NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race when the 23rd event of the 2007 season, the 3M Performance 400, is held at Michigan International Speedway on Sunday.
Waltrip will attempt to start in his 45th Cup race at the 2-mile track. His best start is 1st (June 23, 1991) and best finish is 4th (June 16, 2002) in the NAPA machine. In total, he has two top-5 and nine top-10 finishes at Michigan.
Waltrip has completed 8,218 of 8,685 laps (94.6%) at the track and has led a total of 15 laps in competition. His average start is 22nd and average finish is 20th.
Waltrip has raced in 11 Busch Series events at MIS. He has collected 1 win, two top-5 and six top-10 finishes. He has led 68 laps in Busch Series competition at the track.
Michael Waltrip Fast Facts (Continued) Entering this weekend’s NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series event, the NAPA team will need to qualify for the 3M Performance 400 on time since the No. 55 car is outside the top 35 in owner point standings. A total of 48 cars are entered at MIS. Of the entrants, 13 are go-or-go-home teams. Waltrip will be competing for eight qualifying spots.
Waltrip is a two-time Daytona 500 champion. He was victorious in 2001 and 2003.
NAPA AUTO PARTS driver Michael Waltrip Michigan International Speedway Statistics
| DATE |
START |
FINISH |
DATE |
START |
FINISH |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8/11/1985 |
31 |
18 |
8/18/1996 |
10 |
25 |
|
6/15/1986 |
36 |
22 |
6/15/1997 |
38 |
16 |
|
8/17/1986 |
29 |
32 |
8/17/1997 |
31 |
22 |
|
6/28/1987 |
15 |
39 |
6/14/1998 |
24 |
21 |
|
8/16/1987 |
28 |
20 |
8/16/1998 |
30 |
22 |
|
6/26/1988 |
34 |
28 |
6/13/1999 |
16 |
15 |
|
8/21/1988 |
28 |
7 |
8/22/1999 |
20 |
13 |
|
6/25/1989 |
28 |
16 |
6/11/2000 |
15 |
22 |
|
8/20/1989 |
22 |
31 |
8/20/2000 |
18 |
21 |
|
6/24/1990 |
16 |
21 |
6/10/2001 |
35 |
29 |
|
8/19/1990 |
34 |
30 |
8/19/2001 |
7 |
36 |
|
6/23/1991 |
1 |
34 |
6/16/2002 |
2 |
4 |
|
8/18/1991 |
21 |
9 |
8/18/2002 |
3 |
15 |
|
6/21/1992 |
41 |
27 |
6/15/2003 |
9 |
5 |
|
8/16/1992 |
26 |
22 |
8/17/2003 |
13 |
7 |
|
6/20/1993 |
10 |
37 |
6/20/2004 |
19 |
10 |
|
8/15/1993 |
28 |
16 |
8/22/2004 |
17 |
17 |
|
6/19/1994 |
11 |
8 |
6/19/2005 |
30 |
7 |
|
8/21/1994 |
10 |
14 |
8/21/2005 |
24 |
27 |
|
6/18/1995 |
24 |
12 |
6/18/2006 |
28 |
25 |
|
8/20/1995 |
25 |
11 |
8/20/2006 |
22 |
23 |
|
6/23/1996 |
20 |
32 |
8/17/2007 |
18 |
10 |
|
NASCAR NEXTEL 3M Performance 400 Broadcast Coverage
Live coverage of the 3M Performance 400 at Michigan International Speedway begins Sunday, August 19 at 1 p.m. EDT on ESPN. It can also be heard on your local MRN Radio affiliate at the same time.
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