Waltrip considered not running Gatorade Duels

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Michael Waltrip seriously considered withdrawing his No. 55 Toyota from the Daytona 500 qualifying race amid an explosive cheating scandal, the driver said on Thursday.

Making his first extensive remarks since his team was caught with an illegal fuel additive during qualifying inspection last Sunday, Waltrip expressed regret and vowed to find out how the infraction occurred.

"I am ready to bear all responsibility for what happened," Waltrip said. "You can't hurt me any worse than I am right now."

NASCAR suspended Waltrip's crew chief, David Hyder, and his director of competition, Bobby Kennedy. They also fined Hyder $100,000 -- a NASCAR record -- and docked Waltrip 100 owners points.

The penalties cast a pall over Waltrip's much-anticipated three-car debut with Toyota, which is debuting its Camry this season. Waltrip's massive organization is regarded as the manufacturer's flagship operation.

Speaking in a hushed tone in front of a packed room filled with reporters and TV cameras, Waltrip denied that he had already fired Hyder, and said that Scott Eggleston will serve as his acting crew chief.

"We haven't fired anyone nor do we plan on firing anyone until we know what happened," Waltrip said. "We are aggressively trying to find out what happened.

"What took place was the act of an individual or individuals and is not a reflection on our team," Waltrip said. "I am here today to apologize to the NASCAR fans, sponsors and other team owners."

Waltrip said he only decided to race in the 150-mile qualifier after discussing it with his wife, Buffy, after waking up at the track on Thursday morning.

"I came real close to not racing today," Waltrip said. "I just felt that there would be a cloud over everything I accomplished because of what happened."

Waltrip added the worst part of the ordeal was when his daughter asked why his car had failed inspection.

"A beautiful nine-year-old asked her mom on Monday why Daddy cheated the rules," Waltrip said. "That will hurt you pretty bad."