| | | | | | | 55 - Michael Waltrip | Owensboro, KY |
| | Primary Sponsor: NAPA Auto Parts
Manufacturer: Toyota
Car Owner: Buffy Waltrip
Team: Michael Waltrip Racing This year, Michael Waltrip helped Toyota’s entry into the Cup and Busch series. He also drives his own team’s #55 Toyota.
Waltrip has been racing in the Cup series for 23 years, but his first win came in 2001 – a day racing fans will always remember. Waltrip was driving his first race for Dale Earnhardt when Earnhardt cleared a path for him and then was killed when he crashed into the wall.
Waltrip began racing full time in the Cup Series in 1986, and finished second for rookie of the year honors. A few years later, in 1990, Waltrip had five top-fives and 10 top-10s, adding four top-fives and 12 top-10s the next year.
After signing with DEI in 2001 – and after 463 starts – Waltrip made his first visit to victory lane. The next year he won once, had four top-fives and 10 top-10s, followed by eight top-fives and 11 top-10s in 2003.
Waltrip has won the Daytona 500 twice and in 2003 set the track record for money earned.
He also won the Winston Open three times, - in 1991, 1992 and 1996 – and in 1996 he also won The Winston, making him the first driver to win both races.
Waltrip’s brother is former Cup champion Darrell Waltrip.
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