Feb. 15, 2007

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Turmoil turned into triumph for the NAPA Racing team and driver Michael Waltrip after today’s running of the Gatorade 150 Duel at Daytona International Speedway. The driver of the No. 55 NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota Camry earned a transfer spot into the Daytona 500 when he finished in eighth place. The result was particularly impressive considering Waltrip had to start at the rear of the 35-car field. His finishing spot also ensured that all three Michael Waltrip Racing Toyotas would race in Sunday’s big event.

“I am pretty proud of everyone in my organization,” said Waltrip. “We’ve overcome quite a bit of adversity. We did not get to practice this car, and we had to start from the rear of the field. To know that all three of my Toyota Camrys are locked into the Daytona 500 after this race is a relief.”

In the early stages of the 60-lap race, Waltrip had very little to say about the car. On lap 11, the caution came out for an incident involving the No. 36 car. Interim crew chief Scott Eggleston radioed his driver to stay out. When the majority of the field opted to come in for service, Waltrip moved from 11th to first place on the leader board.

Shortly into the next green-flag sequence, Waltrip had a close call with former teammate Dale Earnhardt Jr. The No. 55 Toyota grazed the back of the No. 8 car as the NAPA driver was trying to get in line with Earnhardt in the draft.

“I feel bad about that because it was a mistake,” said Waltrip after the race. “By the time I decided to make the move and then change my mind, I tried to turn the steering wheel. It didn’t keep me from running into him. I’m just glad we both were able to get through it.”

The incident triggered a caution, but both cars were able to continue with minimal damage and a visit to pit road. During Waltrip’s service on laps 19 and 20, the crew bolted on four fresh tires, refueled the car, and pulled out right-front sheet metal by the wheel. Waltrip rejoined the field in 17th place.

When the caution flag flew on Lap 42 for debris on the track, Waltrip radioed that his car was a little loose and needed four fresh tires. Eggleston put the crew to work on Lap 43 to change tires, and Waltrip was sent out in 13th position, one spot away from making the Daytona 500.

Waltrip remained in the hunt as two more caution flags slowed the action on Laps 46 and 52. However, the final caution came on Lap 58 for an incident involving Ward Burton and Jeff Green, setting up a green-white-checkered-flag scenario. Waltrip was now in the top transfer spot and looked to his friend Kenny Schrader for help in keeping him there. Schrader not only obliged, but also allowed Waltrip to move up one position to cross the finish line in eighth place. Tony Stewart won the first Gatorade Duel race, while Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Burton, David Gilliland, and Denny Hamlin rounded out the top five.

Jeff Gordon won the second Gatorade Duel, but during post-race inspection, his car was found to be an inch too low. NASCAR will allow him to keep his victory but not his starting spot. Due to the penalty, he will start 42nd on Sunday.

As for the NAPA AUTO PARTS team, today’s finish puts the No. 55 machine 15th on the starting grid.

Daytona 500 Broadcast Coverage Live coverage of the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway begins Sunday, Feb. 18 at 3:00 p.m. ET on FOX. If you can’t catch the race on TV, it can be heard on your local MRN Radio affiliate and Sirius Satellite Radio starting at the same time. Remember to check your local listings as dates and times of the race may change.

Duel Results Race 1

Duel Results Race 2

Daytona 500 Starting Line-Up