Waltrip knows '09 key if he's to continue driving

It's been more than five years since Michael Waltrip, the driver, last celebrated in Victory Lane. He may have only 36 more races to prove he's worthy of keeping his ride, so says Michael Waltrip, the team owner.

During the Fan Fest at Daytona, Waltrip admitted 2009 could be the make or break season in his 23-year career. "My goal is to go win some races this year, run up front so that I don't have to say this is my last year," Waltrip said Saturday.

No testing opinion

As NASCAR continues to feel its way through a rather unusual offseason, one devoid of "sanctioned" testing during an economic downturn that keeps turning downward, Michael Waltrip is among those who think it all could turn out for the better in the Cup Series.

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"But if I don't do those things, if I can't compete at the level that [teammate David] Reutimann does or [primary sponsor] NAPA expects, then I probably won't get to do this again in 2010." (Audio)

NAPA was Waltrip's sponsor when he won the 2001 Daytona 500, his first victory in 464 Cup Series starts. Ditto when he won at Daytona in July 2002. And again in the 2003 Daytona 500 and at Talladega in September '03. But Waltrip has struggled since, going winless in 2004-05 and leaving Dale Earnhardt Inc. after the 2005 season.

Waltrip's foray into ownership began in 2006, which included four races in which he failed to qualify and a season-best finish of 14th. The 2007 season got off to an inglorious start at Daytona; cheating allegations got his season off to a tumultuous start. He made only 14 starts after not qualifying for 11 consecutive races after the black eye at Daytona.

However, Waltrip bounced back in 2008. He qualified for all 36 races and finished 29th in the all-important owner standings. He also finished second at Loudon in June, his best showing since Sept. 28, 2003 at Talladega. Reutimann finished 26th and ensured both Michael Waltrip Racing entries will have guaranteed starting spots through the first five races this season. MWR also has a technical alliance with JTG Daugherty Racing and the No. 47 for Marcos Ambrose.

"This is a real important year for me because I still love it," Waltrip said. "I'm still emotional about it. That's a great feeling. I'm glad I have that. I'm glad I feel the way I do, and I'm also glad that I own my car, because if this is my last year then I'm fine, because that means I got somebody faster or better than me to drive my car in 2010, and that's how it was supposed to be."

Related:
• Speed to carry Toyota flag with Waltrip's No. 99 car
• Reutimann to drive four races in No. 10 Braun Toyota

Should Waltrip retire and focus on building his team?
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