Michael Waltrip's future with DEI is up in the air. Credit: Autostock

Waltrip would like to return to DEI for 2006

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- He's got more top-10 finishes than Jeff Gordon, Kevin Harvick or Dale Earnhardt Jr., but Michael Waltrip says he doesn't know if he will back with DEI next season.

Waltrip said on Friday at Daytona that he hopes he can get a deal worked out soon. He hopes to spend a sixth season with DEI in 2006.

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" I am just waiting to see what the deal is. I don't have any demands," Waltrip said. "It would be silly for me to make demands when I haven't heard what the plan is and when I hear the plan, then we will go from there.

"Everything is good as far as I know. I don't know of any reason to be worried."

DEI also is trying to re-sign Martin Truex Jr. and move him to Nextel Cup full-time. Truex, like Waltrip, has not signed a contract extension.

"Whenever they (DEI) are ready. I am pretty much flexible," Waltrip said. "They got a lot going on. I am happy. I don't have any issues, I know how it goes and we will work it all out."

Waltrip hinted that he has other opportunities available if his contract isn't renewed.

"I have realized that over the years that you better have a Plan B," Waltrip said. "If you don't, you're liable to be out in left field somewhere."

Pre-season speculation had Waltrip under the gun to make the Chase for the Nextel Cup, or find another ride. In preparation, the team switched crews between the No. 8 and the No. 15 teams.

If the move has proved disastrous for teammate Dale Earnhardt Jr., it has worked wonders for Waltrip, who has enjoyed unusual success on the non-restrictor plate tracks.

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Waltrip was second at Phoenix, narrowly missing a chance to score his first non-restrictor plate win. He also won the Bud Pole at Pocono, his first in 14 years. He went on to finish fifth in that race.

He is 15th in points, less than 100 out of 10th, but he lost substantial ground in February by blowing motors in each of the first two races.

"If we run like we have been running and avoid any problems, we're a lock to make the Chase," Waltrip said. "Our chase to the Chase has started."