Waltrip says he feels like 'an idiot' (cont'd)

But in an interview with The Charlotte Observer, he said he was embarrassed for leaving the scene.

"I just feel stupid," he told the newspaper. "I feel like an idiot because this one is all me."

State trooper B.L. Buchanan said he arrived on the scene to find the wrecked SUV -- which had also hit a telephone pole -- but no Waltrip. He said he went to Waltrip's home to speak to him around 3 a.m., but was unsuccessful in locating the driver.

Hondros said Waltrip was showering in his pool house and didn't hear the police when they arrived.

Buchanan said his shift ended at 5 a.m., and he finally made contact with Waltrip at 8 p.m. Saturday when he returned to duty and Waltrip called him. The officer met him at Waltrip's home and issued the citation.

Waltrip told The Observer alcohol did not contribute to the accident.

"I didn't go home to avoid anything," he said. "I just went there trying to figure out what to do."

Waltrip is having a rough first year as a car owner.

He was caught cheating during Daytona 500 preparations when NASCAR found a fuel additive in his engine, and was docked a record 100 driver points. His crew chief was fined a record $100,000 and suspended indefinitely, as was his competition director.

Meanwhile, he has failed to qualify for the five races since the 500.

Dale Jarrett, who drives one of Waltrip's cars, has needed a provisional to make five of the six races this year and is currently 37th in the points. David Reutimann, his other driver, has failed to make two races and is 43rd in points.

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