The Daytona 500 is always a special time for Michael Waltrip, but this year's race carries even more meaning.
Yes, the popular driver will be making his 25th consecutive Daytona 500 start on Feb. 20. But more important, at least to him, Waltrip will be honoring the memory of his mentor Dale Earnhardt Sr.
Tuesday, on the second day of the NASCAR media tour, Waltrip revealed the partially black No. 15 car he will drive at Daytona. The color scheme and number on his Napa Toyota will be Waltrip's tribute to Earnhardt. Waltrip was in a No. 15 when he won the 2001 Daytona race that would take the life of his friend and then team owner, Earnhardt.
Waltrip reflected on the fatal crash, which came while Earnhardt was blocking for Walrip and teammate Dale Earnhardt Jr.
"It’s going to be my 25th consecutive 500 and I don’t think many people have done that," said Waltrip, who was promoting his new book “In the Blink of an Eye.” "This was one I obviously did not want to miss, with it being the 10th anniversary. I look at it as the 10th anniversary of Dale’s death. I don’t really even think much of me winning it. That’s more of like a footnote. I look at it as the 10th anniversary between me and Napa, which has been special to me. It’s an opportunity to celebrate those things."
That 2001 victory was Waltrip's first in a Cup points race.
“I’m not convinced I still can’t win at Daytona and Talladega," he said Tuesday. "I was maybe one of the best there during my career. I led both races at Talladega last year. I believe I can win so therefore I want to try. I’m lucky that I get the opportunity. I don’t look at it that I deserve it. I just look at it that I’m lucky.”
Waltrip also intends on running the Budweiser Shootout and will team with his current MWR drivers, David Reutimann and Martin Truex Jr.
Waltrip also mentioned racing in the NextEra Energy Resources 250 Camping World Series truck race on Feb.18. Waltrip is expected to compete with Vision Aviation Racing, which will use Billy Ballew Motorsports equipment. Doug George will serve as crew chief.
