Michael Waltrip: Are his days numbered?

Question

Did anyone see the final practice this afternoon? They showed an in-car angle on Mikey, and when he went into the corners, he could barely keep his head held up, and his body would sink into the seat. I know that going into the corners puts extreme G-force on the driver, but then they showed a split screen with Dale Jr and Michael, and Jr looked solid in his seat. Waltrip looked tired and worn out after a few laps of practice. How can he be competitive like this? 400 miles is a long way when a driver doesn't have the strength to hold himself up. How can a sponsor have any confidence in him?

I don't want this forum to bash him, so please only answer my question if you saw what I'm talking about and have an honest opinion about it. Thanks.

Answer 1

As long as Michael is an owner, he will have a ride if he wishes. As far as fitness goes, I don't think that is an issue for him. He is into running and has competed in marathons in the past.  

Answer 2

I saw what you were talking about, and I dont think it has anything to do with strength or fatigue. The split screen between Jr and Waltrip just showed the difference between the two teams, if anything. Jr and Hendrick Motorsports have put alot of time, research and money into the seat and support systems for their drivers. I dont believe MWR has the money or resources to do the same. It also doesnt help that Waltrip is 6ft5, so there is more body for the G-forces to affect, so it will appear to make him look more slumped over. It also doesnt help that Waltrip likes his steering wheel closer to him, since he drives it using his entire arm, vice how Jr and the majority of the other drivers drive, which is just with their hands. With the steering wheel so much closer, it makes Waltrip all that much more crammed into his car...

As far as whether his days are numbered, I say by the end of next year, if things havent improved over where the 55 team is currently, you might see him step out of the car for good.  

Answer 3

Well Michael is the owner, so he will make the call... Do I think he would be better off getting out of the car and letting someone else drive?  Yes I do... Any driver that takes on the challenge of owning a team and also driving one of the cars, it always takes a toll on the driver/owner...  I have seen the in car cam before at other races, and that is the way Mikey always looks in the car... You have to remember he is freakishly tall for a nascar driver, and Jr is about average size.  I wouldnt get too worked up about it, as I have said I had seen this type of thing before.  Its all about how comfortable a driver can be in his car too, maybe during the race he is in the car a little tighter?  But like I said I had see this before out of him...

Also remember that the drivers have long weekends all the time.  If Mikey tries to fight the G forces, he is going to get worn out faster than if he just lets the forces push him into the side of the seat.  It is like if you wanted to run a mile or two... If you were running with a friend would you try to talk?  Or would you conserve that energy of talking and trying to keep your breath?  

Like I said, I think the team would be better off if he could step out of the car, and focus on the ownership part of the race, and let some young guy step in full time and get after it!  Go get Mears!  That would be interesting...

Like I said I had seen this out of Mikey before!  He will be alright...  Remember there are other tracks that produce more G forces than this one... like next week!  BRISTOL!

Answer 4

he getting up there in age and having to worry about his team al the time. he is probley tired and wore out. he does need to step out and let someone else drive. but all the good driver are taken and he is the best chose to drive.

Answer 5

I didnt see that but I believe it. I think it is hard for a driver to actually be a driver and run a team. I believe it is time for Mikey to choose. Does he want to be a driver or does he want to be an owner.

Answer 6

I think he should step out of the driver seat and concentrate on being an owner.  The problem is that he does not have any good drivers to put in his car.  

Maybe he could put Skinner in there full time.  Or possible Benson or Todd Bodine.  But a talented "up and comer" will pass on MWR for a better ride.

Maybe even Mike Wallace, but they do need an influx of experiance and talent.

Answer 7

He will remain in the sport as a team owner, but is nothing more than a back-marker who has a ride because his name is on the marquee on the garage. He talks well and is available for any activities required by his team sponsors, which goes a long way in staying in a hot-rod when common-sense dictates another driver should be fitted for the seat.  

Answer 8

Michael seemed to (just an opinion) me that he was not feeling 100% up to par, maybe he has that bug that has been going around the garage area last few weeks..not to bash Michael at all but after he left DEI and went with Toyota , seemed to lose it and just cannot  compete with the other Toyota Teams and I hate to see this cause he really is a good driver but crappy equipment

Answer 9

I love Michael Waltrip.  I think he is a great announcer.  I would like to see him focus most of his time on the announcing job and not drive.  I honestly think it is time for him to retire from driving.

Answer 10

he was just leaning into it  

Answer 11

I can't believe that Michael Waltrip has lasted as long as he has. He has never been the driver that his brother was. What is more hard to believe is that his brother didn't warn him about what is involved with owning a team! DWI was a nightmare in the end for Darrell. He almost lost everything.