Published: May 05, 2009 12:57 pm         

WILL MICHAEL STAY OR GO

Monticello — Michael Waltrip has been able to attract several good sponsors for his

Sprint Cup teams, but his performance hasn't been the best. Currently 24th

in points, he has only had one top-10 finish this year.

Prior to the start of the 2009 season Waltrip said he might hang up his

driving helmet if he doesn't perform well enough.

Waltrip, now 46 years old, commented this past weekend that he either

has to step up his performance in the Michael Waltrip Racing No. 55 NAPA

Toyota or face the decision to replace himself as the driver.

"I just haven't been able to step it up to the next level. I have four

wins, but I haven't been able to be in contention for the championship,"

Waltrip noted.

Waltrip went on to indicate that his primary focus was to bring NAPA

Auto Parts a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship Title.

In 25 years of NASCAR Cup Series competition and 733 starts, Waltrip has

four wins, four poles, 39 top five and 127 top ten finishes.

MWR co-owner Rob Kauffman said it will be Waltrip's decision if he

retires from full-time competition after this season.

"He wants to do the best thing for the company," said Kauffman, "NAPA is

a fantastic sponsor and partner for us, terrific people, makes a lot of

sense for them to be in the sport. Š It's a joint decision for sure ­ not an

easy one.''

Kauffman, who put a major investment into MWR as Waltrip's company was

struggling financially late in its inaugural Cup season in 2007, said the

discussions have begun on whether Waltrip will retire.

"It's a pretty important decision for the company, so on the list of

important decisions, it's certainly up there," continued Kauffman. "We'll

work with NAPA and come up with the best answer, and they have a long

relationship and they are really good people to work with.

"It will be a joint decision. I am the finance guy, but who is the most

talented driver? How do you recognize that? I'm not the expert in that. I

wouldn't be so arrogant. Š We want to win races. That's for sure what we

want to do. In terms of a driver, we want somebody who fits with the team."

If Mikey does retire, where will we see him? In the broadcast booth?

Next Week: Who is James Finch



Weekend Racing: Next Sunday is Mother's Day. NASCAR never races on

Easter and Mother's Day, so the Cup and Nationwide teams will race at

Darlington on Friday and Saturday. The Truck teams are off.

Fri., May 8, Nationwide Series Diamond Hill Plywood 200, race 10 of 35;

Starting time: 7 p.m. (EDT); TV: ESPN2.

Sat., May 9, Sprint Cup Southern 500, race 11 of 36; Starting time: 7

p.m. (EDT); TV: Fox.



Racing Trivia Question: After a brief absence Sterling Marlin is back in

Cup racing. Which team does he drive for?

Last Week's Question: Where is Mark Martin's home town? Answer.

Batesville, Arkansas.

You may contact the Racing Reporter at: hodgesnews@earthlink.net.

     

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