Martin Truex, Jr. - Photo Credit: Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR

CORNELIUS, N.C. 

QUOTES 

Martin Truex Jr. Back On Track: “I’m ready to get back into the swing of things. Over the winter we have been working on some new things and now it’s time to test them out and see how it goes. It’s also the first time I get to work with Clint and Mark. My NAPA team hasn’t changed, but we’ve got a lot of new guys at MWR especially on the 15 team so testing down here is a good way to show everyone how we all work together and get communication going in the right direction. The track time is going to be good for all of us here at Michael Waltrip Racing.”

Focus On New Smyrna: “This will be the first time we are running the new generation of MWR chassis at a short track. There are a lot of things Chad (Johnston—crew chief) and I want to run through to see if our car’s handling remains the same or if it wants to do different things. It was a great car for us on the bigger tracks at the end of last season and it will be interesting for us to see how it works on a short track.”

On Daytona Test: “With the rule changes especially with the grill opening, we have a lot of things we want to test and try to get prepared to win the Daytona 500. It’s also important for me and Clint to get time together and draft. I believe we are going to have to switch a lot in the draft with the rule change, so we really need to be on the same page rather quickly and understand how each other thinks. It’s a good time to get a feel for how he does things and the same for him as to how I do things.”

Feelings About EFI: “So far everything has been good. We had an EFI test in Daytona on Nov. 15. We didn’t have any issues with it and every time we have run with it, there does not seem to be whole lot of difference between it and a carburetor. I don’t foresee any crazy issues and I appreciate all the hard work that everyone has put into it to make a smooth transition.”

ADDITIONAL NOTES OF INTEREST

•          Autograph Signing: Truex will participate in Thursday’s Preseason Thunder Fan Fest. For details:http://tinyurl.com/7xnseuu.

•          Truex will appear at the 2012 NASCAR Preview Presented By Sprint from 2:30 -4:30 p.m. on Jan. 21. The Preview at the Charlotte Convention Center is an all-day, behind-the-scenes pass into the world of NASCAR complete with driver autographs, Q&A sessions, team and sponsor displays and more. Fans can purchase tickets for only $10 in advance. Tickets at the door will cost $15. Doors open at 7 a.m. Click here for ticket information.

•          Check out NAPA Reserve Online. Visit napaonline.com to make shopping for an auto part easier. Order online and pick up at your favorite NAPA AUTO PARTS store.

2012 NAPA Know How Crew

Crew Chief – Chad Johnston

Car Chief – Tony Lunders

Front Changer – Eric Maycroft

Rear Changer – Lee Cunningham

Front Carrier -  Craig Curione

Rear Carrier – Adam Mosher

Jackman – Brian Chase

Gas man – Wes Evans

Spotter – Keith Barnwell

Engineer – Brandon Pope

2nd Engineer – Tyler Nelson

Tires – Russell Simpson

Shocks – Luke Cunnington

Interior – Sean Boxman

Engine Tuner – Gregg Hulls

Truck Driver – Stump Lewis

2nd Truck Driver – Cindy Lewis

Pit Coach – Greg Miller

Source: Michael Waltrip Racing, Press Release

2011 NSCS Martin Truex - Photo Credit: Chris Graythen/Getty Images for NASCAR

CORNELIUS, N.C. —

Scott Miller, MWR’s new executive vice president of competition, will serve as Truex’s interim crew chief for the remainder of the year. Miller began his duties at MWR this week. The No. 56 team will debut a new chassis Sunday at Texas.

Martin Truex Jr. on Miller Joining MWR: “He has some really good insight on how our company works and how we are improving our cars. He’s got some good ideas on how to help. At this point, this is a good time of year for us to start to prepare for next season. We have already started with building new parts and pieces. This weekend we are debuting a new chassis. The NAPA guys have put a tremendous amount of work in the new chassis. I think Scott is joining us at a really good time so he can get a feel for what our new car has to offer us right now and what work still needs to be done to fine tune it in the off season. I think joining us now is going to give him some good input on where we are and how we can get started on next year.”

Truex on Returning to Texas: “I think the key for this NAPA team at Texas is really this new chassis. We hope it has addressed the issues we’ve had at 1.5-mile tracks for the past year. There have been some issues that we fought that don’t seem to be related to actual car set up or the things we do throughout the race weekends. It seems to be more tied to how the cars are built and what we take to the track. Hopefully with all the engineering and the work that’s gone into this chassis, it will address the major issues we’ve been fighting and give us a better chance to get the car dialed in over the course of a normal race weekend. If this chassis performs the way I think it will, we’ve got a decent chance this weekend to turn in another good result.”

NOTES

• · Sunday’s race marks Truex’s 223rd NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start. In 12 Cup starts at Texas, he has one pole, one top-five and two five-10 finishes. His average start is 19th and finish is 18th.

• · Miller has served in several roles throughout his 16-year stint in NASCAR, most recently as director of competition at Richard Childress Racing. Miller has been a winning crew chief and has repeatedly guided teams into the Chase for the Sprint Cup from his management role.

• · NAPA Racing will host Honorary Pit Crew Member Richard Bennett. He is the Service Manager at Frisco Automotive. Bennett will be honored in NAPA pre-race festivities and have his name decaled on the No. 56 NAPA Toyota.

• · Check out NAPA Reserve Online. Visit www.napaonline.comto make shopping for an auto part easier. Order online and pick up at your favorite NAPA AUTO PARTS store.

Martin Truex with Crew Chief Chad Johnston in the Garage - Photo Credit: Jason Smith/Getty Images for NASCAR

MARTIN TRUEX JR.

No. 56 NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota

Michigan International Speedway

CORNELIUS, N.C. — NAPA Racing’s Martin Truex Jr. and crew chief Chad Johnston know their recent run of success gives their Michael Waltrip Racing team a shot at making the 2011 “Chase for the Championship.”

In the nine races since joining together at Pocono in June, Truex has scored the 13th most points of any driver.

A win at one of the next four races puts the No. 56 in prime contention for one of two wildcard spots in the Chase. The duo plan to carry the momentum from Monday’s season-best, fourth-place finish at Watkins Glen International to this weekend’s NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Michigan International Speedway.

TRUEX QUOTES

MARTIN TRUEX JR. ON MICHIGAN: “I am expecting another strong run at Michigan after how well we ran there in the spring. We ran quite a different setup last time compared to last year and really improved. Since then, we’ve learned a lot about our car and have made improvements to our 1.5- to two-mile program to apply this time. I don’t see why we cannot run better. We just need to run a clean race and get the result to show for it. What I like about Michigan is we can run anywhere from the apron to the fence. I love having several options like that. I look forward to seeing what all we can get accomplished this weekend.”

CHAD JOHNSTON ON MOMENTUM: “It’s good to see strong finishes over the last two months. We definitely went about it the long way this season to get them. We’ve been unloading fast and have put strong cars underneath Martin. It’s so important for us to get the NAPA Toyota back into victory lane. I believe we are on mark to climb back into the top 15 in points. I feel good about all the tracks that are coming up. We had strong cars at Michigan, Bristol and Richmond so I look forward to going back and getting finishes that reflect the quality of cars and driver we have.”

ADDITIONAL NOTES OF INTEREST

• · Truex won the Mobil 1 Oil Driver of the Race at Watkins Glen. The award is given to the winner of the race or the next-highest finishing driver displaying the Mobil 1 decal.

• · AUTOGRAPH SIGNING: On Saturday at the track, he’ll visit the Schick Get Fresh Society Mobile Tour Display from 12:30 p.m. to 12:50 p.m. Autographs will be guaranteed for the first 40 fans.

• · Sunday’s race marks the 212th NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start and 12th at Michigan International Speedway for Truex. At MIS, he has earned two top-five and three top-10 finishes. His average start is 14th and finish is 17th.

• · NAPA’s new family of filters — NAPA Silver, Gold and Platinum quality filters are on NAPA store shelves. Check out the great savings including oil change specials happening this month. Plus register for a chance to win up to $10,000 in the NAPA Filters Do It Your Way $50,000 Sweepstakes. For details visit: www.napafiltersdoityourwaysweepstakes.com

• · Check out NAPA Reserve Online. Visit www.napaonline.com to make shopping for an auto part easier. Order online and pick up at your favorite NAPA AUTO PARTS store.

2011 NSCS Martin Truex - Photo Credit: Chris Graythen/Getty Images for NASCAR

CORNELIUS, N.C.

TRUEX QUOTES

Martin Truex Jr. on NAPA Ultimate Tune-Up Promotion: “I’ve been watching my guys wrap our Richmond car and it’s a pretty cool design. We had some NAPA advertising groups in about a month ago to meet and see MWR. They were given the chance to decal my NAPA Toyota. I would love to see them try to decal this car. The Ultimate Tune-Up design is a little more complicated and I’m always amazed at how these wraps come together. NAPA usually does four different paint schemes a year and this one will certainly get everyone’s attention especially since fans can save money. Throughout May, customers can earn up to $75 in a VISA rebate card through a mail-in rebate after buying NAPA “tune-up” related products like spark plugs and wires, timing belts, ignition and fuel products. Qualified purchases can be made at your NAPA store or installed at a NAPA AutoCare Center or participating installer shop. It’s a neat deal for fans because it’s important to tune up our cars for the hot summer months.”

Crew chief Pat Tryson on Preparing for Richmond: “The NAPA team tested in Orlando, Fla., at Walt Disney World Speedway on April 12-13. We wanted to try some different stuff with the rear bar and some front suspension packages to dial in the short tracks like Richmond. Last year we finished seventh in the first Richmond race, but struggled at the second after crashing our primary NAPA Toyota in practice, so we focused on what seemed to work and retooled it a bit. We are always looking for ways to find more grip and drive off as that’s what we’ve been battling. We’re pretty pleased with how the test went and Martin was happy with what we’ve come up with so I hope it translates to a fast NAPA Ultimate Tune-Up Toyota when we unload Friday.”

ADDITIONAL NOTES OF INTEREST

• · Saturday’s race marks the 198th NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start for Truex. In 10 starts, he has one top-five and two top-10 finishes. His average start is 16th and average finish is 24th.

• · NAPA Racing will host Honorary Pit Crew Member Marvin Gurganus. He is the general manager of the Colony Tire parts division in Edenton, N.C. He will be honored in NAPA pre-race festivities and have his name decaled on the No. 56 Toyota.

• · Check out NAPA Reserve Online. Visit www.napaonline.com to make shopping for an auto part easier. Order online and pick up at your favorite NAPA AUTO PARTS store.

• · The Martin Truex Jr. Foundation is gearing up for its annual Catwalk for a Cause
  fashion show and fundraiser. It’s taking place on May 17 at Martin Truex Jr. Motorsports in Mooresville, N.C. Find out more: www.martintruexjrfoundation.org.

2011 NSCS Martin Truex - Photo Credit: Chris Graythen/Getty Images for NASCAR

CORNELIUS, N.C.

TRUEX QUOTES

Martin Truex Jr. on NAPA Team’s Performance: “The last two weeks we’ve had

top-five performances. At Daytona a wreck took us out and at Phoenix, we had a problem on pit road. All in all, my guys are doing a great job for me all weekend. We salvaged 14th in Phoenix, but this NAPA team is looking for more. We are doing everything we can to fix the little things. Our NAPA Toyota is performing really well so I am happy. This team has a lot to look forward to going into the Las Vegas weekend.”

On New Qualifying Format: “I absolutely love it from a competitor’s standpoint. There have been times when I have had a fast car, but drew a bad number. My qualifying effort essentially suffered for it. Now we have added another positive element to the show. For the fans, qualifying is even more exciting to watch now because the fastest cars are bunched together at the end. I think the fans like to see the excitement build as drivers start to bump each other off the pole.”

On Spring Training with the Chicago White Sox: “I was pretty good at baseball when I was a kid so to return to the field after 18 years was neat. I had some rust on me that’s for sure, but so did David (Reutimann), my brother Ryan and Michael (Waltrip). We did the whole nine yards with the White Sox — warm up, fielding and batting practice. It was a lot of fun to practice with the players and a few of them came with us to the track. It was cool to hang out with baseball players who are NASCAR fans because I’m a baseball fan too. I found out baseball is like racing. They make it look so easy when you watch them, but in reality, what they do is not easy at all.”

ADDITIONAL NOTES OF INTEREST

• Sunday’s race marks the 192nd NASCAR Sprint Cup start for Truex.

• This will be his sixth NSCS race at the 1.5-mile oval. His average start is 27th and his average finish is 20th. He has completed 1352 of 1356 laps (99.7%) and has led two laps in competition.

• On Sunday, NAPA Racing will host Honorary Pit Crew Member Ron Giesbrecht of Atwater, Calif. He will be honored in NAPA pre-race festivities and have his name decaled on the No. 56 NAPA Toyota.

• Check out NAPA Reserve Online. Visit www.napaonline.com to make shopping for an auto part easier. Order online and pick up at your favorite NAPA AUTO PARTS store.

• The Martin Truex Jr. Foundation has raised over $500,000 for community outreach programs benefiting children. Find out more: www.martintruexjrfoundation.org

- Michael Waltrip Racing, Press Release

Michael Waltrip

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. –

As the two-time Daytona 500 champion approaches his 25th start in the 53rd running of the Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 20, the popular NASCAR driver and owner of Michael Waltrip Racing will partner with Daytona International Speedway for the second straight year on a special ticket package – the Michael Waltrip Daytona 500 Celebration Offer.

Included in the ticket package, available for $129, is:

• A Superstretch Daytona 500 ticket
• Fan forum with Waltrip the morning of the Daytona 500
• Celebration with Waltrip featuring cupcakes and Coca-Cola products
• Gift bag that includes items from Michael Waltrip Racing partners
• Commemorative item signed by Waltrip for each ticket holder

Waltrip holds a couple of significant distinctions in the storied history of the Daytona 500. Along with his older brother Darrell, the Waltrips are the only brother combination to have ever won the Daytona 500 and Michael is also one of only eight multi-time winners.

“The Daytona 500 is one of the greatest sporting events in the world,” said Waltrip whose book “In the Blink of Eye” chronicling his 2001 Daytona 500 victory hits the shelves Feb. 1. “It’s an honor to be called a two-time Daytona 500 champion. My goal is 2011 is to be a three-time winner.”

The Michael Waltrip Daytona 500 Celebration Offer is available online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/mwr or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.

Fans can stay connected with Daytona International Speedway on Twitter (www.twitter.com/DISUpdates) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/DaytonaInternationalSpeedway).

- Daytona International Speedway, Press Release

Michael Waltrip 2010 No. 99 NAPA Auto Parts Toyota Camry

CORNELIUS, N.C. —

QUOTES

WALTRIP ON RUNNING BUDWEISER SHOOTOUT: “We have had a lot of success at Daytona and for this year‟s Shootout; I am going to get to work with our new crew chief of the NAPA Racing team Pat Tryson. Rodney Childers will also be on the pit box making it a collaboration since David (Reutimann) did not qualify for the event.

“It means the world to me to have all the support and effort of everyone at Michael Waltrip Racing to give me a Toyota that I can win with. The Budweiser Shootout is a great opportunity to put NAPA in victory lane. It is also an opportunity to learn and be in better shape so that one of our Toyotas has a shot at going to victory lane for the Daytona 500.”

WALTRIP ON DAYTONA: “When I was a kid growing up, Daytona was the only track I really knew. It was the most important track. To me, it defines NASCAR and driver careers. If you can go down there and win. There is no other race more prestigious to win than the Daytona 500. Fortunately for me, I have been able to do it and do it more than once.”

WALTRIP ON EXPECTATIONS FOR MARTIN TRUEX JR.: “I expect him to win races and contend for a spot in the Chase. I think we have put together a very exciting line up for the No. 56 NAPA AUTO PARTS team. Martin knows how to win and is a two-time Nationwide Series champion. He‟s been in the Chase. He‟s always been fast. I remember the first day he showed up at Rockingham. Dale Jr. told me that Martin was his guy. I had never heard of or seen him before. He got in the Nationwide Series car and was running as fast as anyone out there. That‟s the way his whole career has been. He was fast from the beginning and I expect he‟ll do the same in the NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota.”

WALTRIP ON NOT RUNNING A FULL SEASON IN THE SPRINT CUP SERIES: “I‟m going to run Daytona — the Shootout and the 500 — and that‟s the only Cup races I have planned for 2010. I‟m comfortable with that. When I think about going to Daytona, I get excited because I know that I know how to win that race. I finished seventh at Talladega this past October and seventh in the Daytona 500 last year. I know I can go win that race and that makes me smile. When I think about California and Vegas, I just haven‟t performed at the level that makes me say, „I‟m going to go out there and do the same thing.‟ I don‟t miss that, I‟m okay with that.”

ADDITIONAL NOTES OF INTEREST

• The NAPA AUTO PARTS driver will be competing in his 760th NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race when the season opener of the 2010 Sprint Cup season, the Daytona 500, gets underway at Daytona International Speedway (DIS) in Daytona Beach, Fla.

• He will be starting in his 47th race at Daytona International Speedway. His best start is second (Feb. 17, 2008, July 3, 2004) and best finish is first (Feb. 18, 2001, July 6, 2002,

• Feb. 16, 2003). During his career, Waltrip has earned three wins, six top-five and 13 top-10 finishes at DIS. His average start at is 17th and his average finish is 21st.

• Waltrip is one of only eight drivers to win more than two Daytona 500 titles.

- Michael Waltrip Racing, Press Release

No. 55 NAPA Toyota (Michael Waltrip) (Photo Credit: Getty Images for NASCAR)

NAPA RACING PRESS BOX FEATURING MICHAEL WALTRIP

The Chase just tightened up. Are you surprised?

“Chad Knaus was right. Last week on “This Week in NASCAR”, he said the Chase was far from over. His team couldn’t have any problems or it would invite teams back into the mix. After Texas, Mark Martin and Jeff Gordon are back in contention. It is going to be so much fun for the fans to watch these last two races with the outcome being very much in doubt. A guy like Mark Martin who has been so close to winning several championships now has another chance to race his teammate and win the deal. I think Jimmie Johnson is one of the most underrated drivers in the history of NASCAR. He does more with a race car than I think anyone has ever done. He is going for a fourth-straight championship. I think what happened in Texas wasn’t good for Jimmie obviously, but we now have a battle going into Phoenix.”

What do you like about racing at Phoenix International Raceway?

“What I love about Phoenix is the fans. They come from all over – Canada, the west coast and the central part of the United States. It’s cool to see the fans watching from Rattlesnake Hill. It is just a great event. There is a lot of excitement for the racing in Phoenix because of the intense action on the one-mile track.”

Phoenix has a unique curved pit road. Does it present any challenges?

“

3 Doors Down Official Store - Shop Now

Do you think a shorter schedule would benefit teams and NASCAR?

“I like the schedule just the way it is with 38 weekends during the course of a season. It keeps our sport on the pages of the newspapers and on television all year long. I think we need it to stay the same.”

Do you think we should shorten some of the lengths of the races from 500 miles to 400 miles?

“I think our crown jewel events like the Coca-Cola 600, Daytona 500, Southern 500 and Brickyard 400 should remain the same and make those races the big deals. Then shorten the rest of them to 300 or 400 miles. I think it would make those races be more significant, but yet enhance the competition and make our racing more entertaining at the other venues.”

Michael Waltrip Fast Fact

- Michael Waltrip Racing/NAPA Racing, Press Release

2009 NSCS Michael Waltrip

“We are thrilled for the EZ Grill brand to be associated with such a huge name in racing as Michael Waltrip,” said Phillip Swan, CEO of EZ Grill. “We feel as though his legacy in racing is much like the legacy we are trying to create for our family through the EZ Grill brand of products. It’s a perfect match.”

EZ Grill is the ultimate in affordable, portable, disposable mess-free grilling. The Original EZ Grill comes with everything you need to have a delicious meal anytime and anywhere, perfect for the fans camping at the Talladega Superspeedway!

“When I first saw the EZ Grill, I recognized the enormous potential this has at bringing convenience back to those of us who love charbroiled flavor without the mess,” said Michael Waltrip.  “This is a product that I use myself and believe that my loyal fans would benefit from using as well.”

Waltrip, a two-time Daytona 500 champion, will be competing in his 47^th race at the 2.66-mile superspeedway this weekend. In 2003, he won his fourth NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at the Talladega Superspeedway. In total, he has earned seven top-five and 13 top-10 finishes at the superspeedway.

- Michael Waltrip Racing/NAPA Racing, Press Release

2009 NSCS Michael Waltrip

NAPA RACING PRESS BOX FEATURING MICHAEL WALTRIP

Does it take a certain mentality to succeed at Talladega?

“The day I won my race at Talladega, it was just one of those days where I didn’t play the lay-back game. I chose to run up front all day long. If I am in the wreck, I am in the wreck. You can go about racing at Talladega two different ways. You can kind of hang out or you can try and be aggressive and run up front. I am not sure if one is better than the other. Sometimes one strategy works and sometimes the other one works. I can’t wait to race at Talladega. It is probably my best chance to win a race with what’s left of my career. I am going to be on it.”

Do you think restrictor plates are good for the sport?

“Absolutely because we wouldn’t be racing at Daytona and Talladega if we didn’t have them. The speeds would be too fast without them. The plates are also for the fans. It keeps them safe.”

Do you think the yellow line at Talladega is needed?

“In my opinion it saves lives. It makes racing more entertaining. If we didn’t have the yellow line, we would get to Turn 1 and the guy on the inside would realize there isn’t a turn for him. He’d be on the apron. He would have to make a move to get over. What we saw between Tony Stewart and Regan Smith on the last lap would have happened whether there was a yellow line or not. Regan made a conscious decision to go under Tony. Tony was going to block. Then the last time we saw Brad Keselowski make a conscious decision not to go below the yellow line and hold his line. Carl Edwards blocked him. A big crashed ensued. If the leader doesn’t hold his ground at the yellow line, he’ll eventually hold his line down at the grass. That same wreck will happen. I believe the yellow line forces drivers to think twice before they make a move. Drivers know the rule. The yellow line does not cause wrecks at Talladega. A driver’s decision does.”

Looking back, what was your favorite race at Talladega?

“One of my favorite races at Talladega was when Dale Earnhardt won the race when he was running 18th with two laps to go. He took the checkered flag with Kenny Wallace pushing him to the line. It was the fall of 2000 and it was the last race he won. It was an amazing race and an amazing day. I am pretty sure fans are going to see more cool stuff at Talladega. The place may be the Eighth Wonder of the World because of what happens on Sunday at Talladega.”

Michael Waltrip Fast Facts

• NAPA AUTO PARTS driver Michael Waltrip will start in his 755th NASCAR Sprint Cup race when he competes in the Amp Energy 500 at Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, Ala.

• He will start in his 47th race at the 2.66-mile track. His best start is first (Oct. 7, 2007) and best finish is first (Sept. 28, 2003). During his career at the superspeedway, Waltrip has earned seven top-five and 13 top-10 finishes. His average start and finish is 20th.

• Waltrip has completed 7,660 of 8,589 laps (89.2%) at the track and has led a total of 202 laps in competition.

• Earlier this season, Waltrip and the NAPA Racing team outlasted two big wrecks and a finish that saw Carl Edwards run to the finish line after his car went airborne into the catch fence during the Aaron’s 499 at Talladega Superspeedway. The NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota was damaged but managed to finish the race in 21st place after being caught up in a 10-car crash with just nine laps to go. Waltrip’s car wasn’t perfect during the event, but he showed his muscle by running in the top five many times

• In Nationwide Series competition at Talladega, he has 11 starts that equate to two top-five and five top-10 and finishes.

• Entering this week’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event, the NAPA team is 33rd in the owner points standings and is guaranteed a starting spot in Sunday’s race.

- Michael Waltrip Racing, Press Release

2009 NSCS Michael Waltrip

NAPA RACING PRESS BOX FEATURING MICHAEL WALTRIP

Michael Waltrip Racing returns to Charlotte, the site of MWR’s first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victory. What has that first win meant to you and your young organization?

“It has been special all year long to have something like that to celebrate. To know as hard as we’ve worked, and all we’ve struggled through, we are now at a point where we are competitive. Then, to be able to put an explanation point with a victory is gratifying. It was the end of a whole lot of hard work. It was a time when a young group could put their arms around each other and say, ‘We have a long way to go, but that was a step in the right direction.’”

What do you like about Lowe’s Motor Speedway?

“I made my Sprint Cup debut at Charlotte back in 1985 driving for Dick Bahre. It’s a special place to me for so many reasons. For me, my favorite part is just driving at that track. It’s a 1.5-mile track that’s been pretty much the same since the first day I ever went on it. You can run high. You can run low. You can run anywhere. I like to run high, up against the wall. I like racing at Charlotte.

“I also like the fact that the track is supporting the Susan G. Komen Foundation like NAPA is. NAPA is raising $250,000 for the cause and I’ve been showing my support by wearing a pink NAPA All Out for the Cure hat. This weekend, my NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota will be pink and I appreciate the opportunity to help raise awareness in an effort to find a cure for breast cancer. It’s a great cause and I am proud to be a part of the program.”

How much does the track change from May to October?

“Charlotte is a tough track to figure out. In the history of the world, when it gets darker, tracks tighten up. But nowadays, the cars seem to be getting looser when the sun goes down. And when the temperature goes down, the front tires usually stick better than the back tires. There are a bunch of curves that you get thrown when you race under the lights. At Charlotte, for whatever reason, it throws more curves than any other track we go to.”

NAPA GOES PINK! This weekend Waltrip climbs behind the wheel of the No. 55 NAPA/Susan G. Komen Foundation Toyota Camry for the NASCAR Banking 500 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway.

NAPA and Susan G. Komen for the Cure® have teamed up to raise $250,000 for the important cause. During the month of October, consumers who spend $25 or more at participating NAPA AUTO PARTS Stores or NAPA AutoCare Centers will receive a free NAPA/Susan G. Komen for the Cure travel mug.

Michael Waltrip Fast Facts

• NAPA AUTO PARTS driver Michael Waltrip will be competing in his 754th NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race when the 31st event of the 2009 Sprint Cup season, NASCAR Banking 500, gets underway at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C.

• Waltrip made his NASCAR Sprint Cup debut at Charlotte during the 1985 Coca-Cola World 600. He started 24th and finished 29th behind the wheel of the No. 23 machine owned by Dick Bahre. His brother Darrell was the race winner. 2009 marks Waltrip’s 25th season in NASCAR Sprint Cup Racing.

• Waltrip will start in his 49th Cup race at the 1.5-mile track. His best start is second (October 9, 1994) and best finish is second while driving the NAPA machine on May 30, 2004. In total, he has four top-five and 12 top-10 finishes. Waltrip has completed 15,594 of 17,257 laps (90.4%) at the track and has led a total of 73 laps in competition.

• During his 33-race Nationwide Series career at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, Waltrip has earned two victories (March 29, 1993 and Oct. 9, 1999), two pole positions, 12 top-5 and 13 top-10 finishes. He has led 189 laps in competition.

• Entering this week’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event, the NAPA team is 33rd in the owner standings.

- Michael Waltrip Racing, Press Release

2009 NSCS Michael Waltrip

NAPA RACING PRESS BOX FEATURING MICHAEL WALTRIP

After Kansas only 114 points separate first from eighth. What is your take on how the Chase is evolving?

“The champion can come from any of those top-eight drivers and the race at Kansas was certainly a Chase defining race for Tony Stewart. He barreled into the start of the Chase leading the points. When he got there, he wasn’t terrible, but he wasn’t showing the type of performance that he showed on Sunday. It makes these final races fun to watch as it keeps changing week to week. Tony Stewart went from being one of those eight to now being a favorite. Plus, nine of the top-10 finishers were Chase guys. I’m proud that the other guy was my driver, David Reutimann. But, with that said, you better be on your game. To be the best and win makes a guy like Tony a contender, immediately”

We are racing at a different time than usual at Auto Club Speedway? Do you like the change?

“I am looking forward to racing in the day at the Auto Club Speedway. I think it will be refreshing. The night races there were always fun, but the diversity in the schedule is what I think is really fun for me as a race car driver. You get to go to a track and deal with different variables. It is going to be hot from the word go and until the checkered flag falls. I think it might get a little cooler at the end but not that much.

“Plus, last week we saw a few engine failures. This is a 500-mile race with a high-speed, long, front straightaway. In qualifying, we can get up to 210 mph. It’s amazing we can do that in a stock car. Will engines be a variable? We’ll have to wait and see.”

Last week you started wearing a pink hat. What is that all about?

“October is breast cancer awareness month and NAPA has joined forces with the Susan G. Komen Foundation to raise $250,000. I wanted to show my support for the need to find a cure by wearing the pink hat that NAPA has produced for its employees. This partnership is a big deal for NAPA and it is a big deal for me. We’ll also be going pink at Charlotte. I’ll be driving the blue and pink NAPA/Susan G. Komen Foundation Toyota.”

NAPA GOES PINK! NAPA and Susan G. Komen for the Cure® are teaming up to raise $250,000 for the important cause. During the month of October, consumers who spend $25 or more at participating NAPA AUTO PARTS Stores or NAPA AutoCare Centers will receive a free NAPA/Susan G. Komen for the Cure travel mug.

Then on October 17, Waltrip will climb behind the wheel of the No. 55 NAPA/Susan G. Komen Foundation Toyota Camry for the NASCAR Banking 500 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway.

Michael Waltrip Fast Facts

• NAPA AUTO PARTS driver Michael Waltrip will be competing in his 753rd NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race when the 30th event of the 2009 Sprint Cup season gets underway at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif.

• He will be competing in his 18th race at the Auto Club Speedway. His best start at the track is 6th (April 28, 2002) and best finish is 7th (April 27, 2003).

• Earlier this season, Waltrip earned a 15th-place finish in the Auto Club 500 on Feb. 22. The result was impressive since the NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota had to start at the back of the field due to an engine change after qualifying.

• During his Cup career at the 2.0-mile oval, Waltrip has earned two top-10 and eight top-25 finishes.

• He has completed 3,878 of 4,255 laps (91.1%) at the track and has led a total of 16 laps in competition.

• His average start is 26th and average finish is 26th.

• Entering this week’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event, the NAPA team is 33rd in the owner standings.

- Michael Waltrip Racing/NAPA Racing, Press Release

CORNELIUS, N.C. (October 1, 2009) — NAPA and Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, the world’s largest breast cancer advocacy organization, is kicking off a unique initiative designed to raise $250,000 by highlighting the importance of preventive maintenance for both the body and the vehicle.

“We recognize the devastating effects cancer has on both the mind and body and are excited to actively join the millions fighting for a cure each day,” said Bob Susor, NAPA President. “Our $250,000 donation is made on behalf of everyone affiliated with NAPA, as all of us care deeply for those affected by this debilitating disease.

“Our service technicians preach the importance of regular preventive maintenance for your vehicle and the same principle applies for the attention your body needs,” added Susor.

The partnership includes a number of initiatives designed to help raise awareness. Beginning today, consumers that spend $25 or more at participating NAPA AUTO PARTS Stores or NAPA AutoCare Centers during October receive a free NAPA/Susan G. Komen for the Cure travel mug.

NAPA Racing’s Michael Waltrip will join the cause by wearing a pink Susan G. Komen for the Cure hat at the NASCAR tracks this month. He’ll also spread the word during his media appearances and on his Twitter and Facebook pages. Then on October 17, he’ll drive the No. 55 NAPA/Susan G. Komen Toyota Camry in the NASCAR Banking 500 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway.

“I am proud to wear pink to show my support for NAPA and the Susan G. Komen Foundation,” said the two-time Daytona 500 champion. “My car rarely changes, but for the Charlotte race it’s going to be pink and blue. I hope the special paint scheme and this partnership will help increase awareness to find a cure for breast cancer.”

Approximately 87% of donations, like the one from NAPA, go directly toward Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s promise to end breast cancer forever by funding live-saving research and community outreach projects.

More details can be found at www.NAPAOnline.com or www.komen.org.

About NAPA AUTO PARTS

NAPA AUTO PARTS distributes parts, accessories, tools and equipment to 6,000 NAPA AUTO PARTS stores and 13,000 NAPA AutoCare Centers nationwide. For more information about NAPA and vehicle care, visit www.NAPAOnline.com or www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

About Susan G. Komen for the Cure®

Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure and launched the global breast cancer movement. Today, Komen for the Cure is the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. Thanks to events like the Komen Race for the Cure®, we have invested more than $1.3 billion to fulfill our promise, becoming the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world. For more information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure, breast health or breast cancer, visit www.komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN.

- NAPA Racing/Michael Watrip Racing, Press Release

Michael Waltrip Racing

NAPA RACING PRESS BOX FEATURING MICHAEL WALTRIP

What kind of race do you expect to see on Sunday at Kansas Speedway?

“We got to see a great race out in Kansas last year and I expect we’ll see another good show. It’s a mile-and-a-half track that provides a ton of grooves for us to run. We can run low and high. I saw Carl Edwards run into Turn 3 and if I tried to drive in as far as he did, I would have gotten around the competition, but it would have been by going backwards. He did some amazing moves. I would have never thought that you could run in that deep at Kansas and not spin out. It was like he was in his own video game.”

Do you consider Kansas to be a so-called cookie-cutter track?

“I really don’t like to hear people categorize the 1.5-mile tracks as cookie-cutter tracks. Those of us who actually race on them don’t buy into that common characterization especially now that the track has been weathered.

Kansas provides us now with so many options to run. There are several grooves. Kansas truly is a track that has come into its own. You will see lots of passing. We can go all over the place and that’s what we like and that’s what the fans like too.”

After two races, is the Chase over for some of the contenders?

“The points are starting to separate a little bit, but I don’t think you can rule out Carl Edwards who is 153 points out. I think he’s going to get on one of his rolls like he’s been on before and become a contender. Jeff Gordon is another driver to keep an eye on. He’s 122 points out and jumped up two positions after Dover. He’s quietly making a move up the ladder. They both have huge deficits to overcome, but those cars have proven over the course of the season that they can run right up front and that’s what they’ll have to do. They’ll also need some help, but I don’t think you can count Edwards and Gordon out of the mix yet. As for the other guys that are down there around them, I really don’t see them having the same chance. They haven’t proven to me this year that they can do what Carl and Jeff have shown that they can do. I think after two races, their bid in the Chase is pretty much over.”

NAPA GOES PINK! NAPA and Susan G. Komen for the Cure® are teaming up to raise $250,000 for the important cause. During the month of October, consumers who spend $25 or more at participating NAPA AUTO PARTS Stores or NAPA AutoCare Centers will receive a free NAPA/Susan G. Komen for the Cure travel mug.

Then on October 17, Waltrip will climb behind the wheel of the No. 55 NAPA/Susan G. Komen Foundation Toyota Camry for the NASCAR Banking 500 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway.

Michael Waltrip Fast Facts

• NAPA AUTO PARTS driver Michael Waltrip will be competing in his 752nd NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race when the 29th event of the 2009 Sprint Cup season, the Price Chopper 400, gets underway at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kan.

• Waltrip will start in his ninth Cup race at the 1.5-mile track. His best start is fourth (Sept. 29, 2002) and best finish is 11th (Oct. 10, 2004). Waltrip has completed 1,818 of 2,079 laps (87.4%) at the track. His average start is 27th and finish is 32nd.

• In Nationwide Series competition, Waltrip has raced in six events and earned two poles (Sept. 28, 2002 and Oct. 4, 2003) at Kansas Speedway. He has completed 753 of 804 laps (93.7%) and has led 170 laps in competition. His average start is 10th and finish is 21st.

• Entering this week’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event, the NAPA team is 33rd in the owner standings.

- Michael Waltrip Racing, Press Release

Michael Waltrip on "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?"

On October 6, NAPA Racing’s Michael Waltrip will be in the classroom to play the game to raise money for the Victory Junction Gang Camp. He’ll also be joined by Roush Racing’s David Ragan. The special back-to-back episodes will premiere on MyNetworkTV (8 PM ET / PT).

On October 26, NASCAR week kicks off on the new nationally-syndicated edition of “Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader?” Michael Waltrip, Carl Edwards, Kurt Busch, and Denny Hamlin are among the contestants playing the game for their charities. Check your local listings for exact air time.

From Mark Burnett & ZOO Productions “Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader?” is an atypical game show that measures adults’ lack of knowledge – as revealed by how much they’ve forgotten since grammar school. Grownups find themselves in a classroom setting, revisiting their youth, as they tackle subjects they were taught years ago ranging from art to geography and math to social studies. In “Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader?”, however, the players are not alone and there is a way for contestants to “cheat” in this classroom. The adults have the opportunity to get some help – in the form of elementary advice from real 5th graders who always seem to know more than the contestants.

- Michael Waltrip Racing/NAPA Racing, Press Release