Notebook: Waltrip ends futility streak at Dover

DOVER, Del. -- No one knows what kind of record Michael Waltrip's 0-for-11 string in the Nextel Cup Series is.

But after the veteran driver qualified for Sunday's Autism Speaks 400 on Friday afternoon at Dover International Speedway, it wasn't just relief that had him breathless.

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"If I was top-35 in points and went out there to run, I'd come in like this because that's what it takes to get a [qualifying] lap at Dover," Waltrip said. "It takes that much energy -- or whatever you want to call it.

"You just go as hard as you can go and it just holds your breath."

Waltrip had raced his way into the season opening Daytona 500 in the No. 55 Toyota that's the standard bearer for his Michael Waltrip Racing team, but had come up short in the 11 races since.

"Studying, hard work and listening to other people's setups," Waltrip said when asked to explain how he'd done it. "There's a lot of people who have been really supportive of us, not only on the Toyota side, but other teams have pitched in and said 'think about this' or 'think about that.'

"I'm just real thankful for the fact that they have supported me and they cared enough to try to get us in."

In addition to Waltrip qualifying for his second race this season, teammate Dale Jarrett made it into his second consecutive race after two DNQs in a row.

Unfortunately, junior teammate David Reutimann's No. 00 Toyota failed to qualify for the second week in a row after making eight of the first 11 races.

"Having Bobby Kennedy [MWR director of competition] back and being able to run and have information [is important]," Waltrip said. "He's been a big contribution this week and it certainly hasn't gone unnoticed."

Waltrip said he saw only better things ahead.

"I think we'll continuously get better," Waltrip said. "It's quite a position to be in. When your heart and soul is into something it is so hard to get it heading in the right direction.

"It is really tough to take, but I've always been good at Dover. I won my first Cup pole here and I won my first Busch race here -- I always liked Dover." (Continued)