Waltrip to run 'Operation Marathon' car for charity

Michael Waltrip is combining two of his greatest passions -- stock car racing and marathon running -- to benefit one of his favorite charities, Victory Junction Gang Camp.

In January, the two-time Daytona 500 champion will participate in the 26.2-mile 39th Annual Las Vegas Marathon. With the goal of generating $1 million for Victory Junction, Waltrip and wife Buffy have implemented a multi-faceted fundraising program dubbed "Operation Marathon." The unique initiative was announced back in July and has already raised more than $300K.

"I realize that $1 million is a huge goal," said Waltrip, "but with the kind of fan base that NASCAR has, we can do it."

An avid runner since 1995, Waltrip has participated in three long-distance meets, including the vaulted Boston Marathon. His personal goal is to cover the distance-roughly the equivalent to 10 laps around Talladega-in under four hours.

"I'm a total goal-oriented person," Waltrip explained. "My best time in the three marathons I've run is 4:12. I think you mentally driven toward accomplishing a goal. Mine is finishing in under four hours."

SUPERSTORE •   'Operation Marathon' car

Operation Marathon offers fans a chance to become involved, including taking part in the marathon itself. Waltrip has teamed with marathon organizer Devine Racing in a five-year agreement to support his program. For every person who signs up to run in the 2005 Las Vegas Marathon, Devine Racing will donate $10 to the cause. Other ways fans can get involved include running in a 5K Run/Walk on Jan. 29, by buying tickets to a pre-race pasta dinner, a panel discussion among drivers, and a post-race concert. And of course, there will be plenty of program-related merchandise available.

To help promote Operation Marathon, Waltrip ran a special paint scheme on his No. 99 Aaron's Chevrolet Monte Carlo NASCAR Busch Series season finale at Homestead, FL. That car has been replicated in die-cast by Action Performance Companies. The 1:24 scale collectible is limited in production to a scant 1296 units-a low number by anyone's standards. It is now on sale at the NASCAR.COM SuperStore.