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PRESS RELEASE
Michael Waltrip Sprint All-Star Race Preview
Wasserman Media Group, LLC., For NAPA Racing, Press Release
NAPA RACING PRESS BOX FEATURING MICHAEL WALTRIP
The Sprint Fan Vote is really important to you this year. Many people assume you are already in the All-Star Race because you won it back in 1996.
“I thought I was in it too. We talked about the format and I was wondering where we would start, but they kindly told me I didn’t have a starting spot. I am a champion of it, but unfortunately, it expired. We are going to try and race our way in on Saturday night in the Sprint Showdown. I just really want to be in it so there is also the Sprint Fan Vote. I would love my fans to vote for me and vote often. Please vote.”
The All-Star format has been tweaked over the years. How important is the format?
“As the years have gone by, the format has become more and more significant. We all study about when we might pit. I remember when I won the All-Star Race; I called Eddie Wood on the radio and asked, “What do we do? What’s next?” We really did not strategize. We just got in the car and followed NASCAR’s instructions. Now, everybody really studies it closely. Everyone understands all the nuances and what they might be able to do to trick the system. NASCAR’s had to adjust the rules a couple of times to make sure we can’t do that. I think those days are about over. But it sure helps to know the format inside and out. It also helps to be out front too.”
The All-Star Race is also important for one of your teammates, why?
“The All-Star Race will be the last official race for Dale Jarrett. Saturday night we are all going to celebrate the wonderful career of DJ. We have a section of grandstands for all of the Michael Waltrip Racing employees to cheer him on. We are going to celebrate with the UPS folks over the next several days. We want to send Dale off in what has been a wonderful career. He is a great champion, competitor and teammate.”
The All-Star race was created for the fans and you have always been a big advocate of that.
“I have, and what’s really great about it -- the teams do not lose sight of it. We all know what the All-Star night is all about. It’s about having a good time. It’s about a bunch of people -- a hundred thousand or so who are sitting in the stands cheering and watching what the drivers and teams do. That’s a huge part of why a driver wants to win it. On Saturday night, I would love to repeat what Kyle Busch did in Darlington. I would love to get up on top of my NAPA Camry after doing a burn out and say, “Yes, we did it! Our NAPA team is number one tonight!”
Vote for Mikey! Fast track Michael into the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. Sprint customers, vote on your phones by texting “NASCAR” to 7777 and your vote counts double. Visit participating Sprint retail stores or visit sprint.com/speed for more information. Vote Now! Vote Often!
Michael Waltrip Fast Facts
NAPA AUTO PARTS driver Michael Waltrip will be attempting to qualify for his 15th Sprint All-Star Race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway.
Waltrip has competed in 14 All-Star events. In 1996, he won the race. He is the only driver in the history of the All-Star event to win after earning the final transfer spot in the Showdown. His very popular victory came when he started in 20th place. It was his first victory in a Cup car.
Waltrip has two opportunities to qualify for the All-Star Race. He can race his way in by finishing first or second place in the Sprint Showdown or earn the Sprint Fan Vote.
Drivers eligible for the Sprint All-Star Race: race winners from the 2007 and 2008 season, the top-two finishers in the Sprint Showdown, the winner of the Sprint Fan Vote who finishes on the lead lap of the Showdown, past winners of the All-Star Race from the last 10 seasons, and Sprint Cup Series champions from the past 10 seasons who have competed in at least one series event during the 2007 and 2008 seasons.
This Press Release and any images that are used,
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