Michael Waltrip has a new crew chief. He, presumably, also has a new Toyota Landcruiser. Mikey has the sympathy of every writer and broadcaster on planet NASCAR - except for the one's who hate him. He trails Aric Almirola by 67 points to exit the cellar of the Nextel Cup Series - and he needs only 28 to be less than zero.
It's really hard to put a positive light on this season. Still, by most accounts, his popularity is intact. In a post with the most hilarious headline I've seen this year, One Bad Wheel tells us of Michael's merchandise selling momentum.
It’s Michael Waltrip larger than life. Right here in the #55 NAPA trailer doing his comedy shtick. Signing hats, diecasts, babies and breasts faster than a Matt Kenseth pitstop. It was a sight to behold.
He'll have more time to sell this weekend, 'cause in qualifying last night for the race in Phoenix, in a brutal looking performance, the #55 team did nothing to change the points picture. It was uglier than a splitter on the Mona Lisa.
Many voices are calling for Michael to hire a different driver as the solution to the 55's woes.
Jeff Hammond, of Fox fame - and a guy who's forgotten more about running a successful race team than probably anyone commenting on this deal actually knows - told us Tuesday, that he believes Michael should hire a general manager to run the team - so that Mikey can concentrate on the driving.
Here' my question. Why don't the #55 and the #44 - DJ was marginally less miserable than Waltrip last night - go copy the set-up in the #00 car. Bolt for bolt. The Domino's Camry has been consistently the best out of that stable and was again Thursday. This strategy worked at Martinsville, (or was it Atlanta - senior moment) for Chad Knaus and the #48 team. They're pretty good.
Then maybe they could get Dale Junior as a closer. Oh, sorry, wrong sport.
Mikey changing the crew chief reminds me of the DEI fiasco of swapping teams that immediately preceded Junior going into the tank.
It's always the head coach, manager, crew chief that gets the axe isn't it.
BTW, I can't confirm it but word is Angelina Jolie will be adopting Waltrip.
Posted by: marc | April 20, 2007 at 06:40 PM
Grasping at straws, I would say, Marc. And just what Michael needs - distraction - and A J would be a big one, eh?
Posted by: charlie | April 20, 2007 at 09:59 PM
Maybe Angelina can get him a job in Hollywood
Posted by: racefan57 | April 21, 2007 at 07:06 AM
How about Halle Berry as Jackman. I'd pay to see her run around the car and pump the jack.
Posted by: Steve | April 21, 2007 at 11:27 AM