Last year at this time, Michael Waltrip Racing was suffering. The three car team had only made a few races, mostly with Dale Jarrett on the basis of his previous champions provisionals. They were still reeling from the penalties and scandal from Michael’s car having been found to have an illegal substance in the fuel. Because of these problems, the team struggled all season to make races, even though David Reutimann was able to make quite a few races toward the end of the season.
This season, all three teams are in the Top 35 in owners points, meaning, for the time being, they are locked into upcoming events. David Reutimann is even inside the top 30 in points. They can work next weekend at Martinsville on making the cars race well, rather than worry about qualifying.
As the team turns this new page, there are some other changes in the mix. Reutimann will step into the storied UPS ride at Martinsville, replacing the retiring Dale Jarrett. In Reutimann’s place, rookie Michael McDowell will get into the 00 Aaron’s Dream Machine. This must have Michael Waltrip feeling a little better.
Many had written off this year for Michael, not only for last season, but also this season because of his Daytona infraction. That could have clearly been the case. Yet, it appears they put that behind them and focused on doing what they had to do this year and getting it done. Job accomplished.
Cinch up those belts and let’s go racing. JR
