Michael Waltrip, Dale Jarrett and David Reutimann will drive for Michael Waltrip Racing in 2007. Credit: Autostock

Waltrip Racing finalizing crew chief lineup for '07

CORNELIUS, N.C. -- Michael Waltrip Racing plans to announce crew chiefs for its 2007 teams in the next couple of weeks, while over-the-wall crews will be finalized after that, the team announced on Friday.

SPEED REALITY SHOW SPEED Channel is holding auditions for its own reality show called "SPEED Road Tour Challenge" at Michael Waltrip Racing's fabrication shop Dec. 9 and 10.  SPEED is looking for four NASCAR fans to travel to 13 races from Daytona to Charlotte. The four participants will compete for a prize package, which includes a 2007 Toyota Tundra and an offer to join the SPEED Road Tour crew for the remainder of the season.  "While SPEED tapes the show at Waltrip Raceworld, it will give participants a sneak peak at the fabrication shop," said Noah Lazes, president of the ARK Group who has partnered with MWR in building its new facility. "It will show our progress and that we are definitely on schedule."

"Over the next week or so, we will announce our team rosters including crew chiefs," said team owner Michael Waltrip, who has already begun the process of hiring employees. "By mid-January, we will be operating exclusively out of Waltrip Raceworld [formerly called Waltrip Racing World]."

Waltrip is confident and at ease when asked about the progression of his race teams and racing complex, which should be open to the public in mid-May.

"We have been building this team for over a year now," Waltrip said. "My confidence comes from the successes we've enjoyed meeting our goals to this point. We have come a long way. We have sponsors secured and people hired. The cars are being built and tested. Our fabrication department is operating at full strength."

In addition to Waltrip driving his own No. 55 Toyota in 2007, he has hired Dale Jarrett to drive the No. 44 while rookie David Reutimann will take the wheel of the No. 00 Camry.

Waltrip does not foresee anything that will slow down progress, but if something does come up he's prepared.

"We mapped out a plan with a timeline to monitor our progress," Waltrip said. "We are at a very good place. There have been many challenges and I know there will be more. I have been racing my whole life and it has always been about adapting to change. That mentality has helped our organization grow from a plan to a reality."

Noah Lazes, a longtime personal friend and president of the ARK Group who partnered with the Waltrips, can attest the project is on task.

"Choate is doing a fantastic job and construction is progressing right on schedule," Lazes said of the team's facility. "All of the new building is up. The mezzanines are all in now. The finishes are starting already with wall treatments and floor treatments. The front entrance monument is scheduled to start next week along with the scoring tower that will give Waltrip Raceworld a presence from the interstate."

Waltrip is pleased with what has already been accomplished.

"I am very proud of this organization," Waltrip said. "From the talented management team led by Ty Norris [general manager], to the men and women that build our beautiful Toyota Camrys, none of this would be possible without them."