Waltrip sorry - Embarrassed driver apologizes for cheating scandal

SportsIllustrated ^ | February 15, 2007

[nuconvert]

Waltrip sorry

Embarrassed driver apologizes for cheating scandal

February 15, 2007

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- Michael Waltrip humbly apologized Thursday for his team's role in NASCAR's biggest cheating scandal, saying he was so embarrassed he almost pulled out of Daytona 500 preparations.

Waltrip, who lost two key crew members Wednesday when NASCAR penalized his team for using a fuel additive, said he had to be talked into racing by his wife and Toyota officials who are seething that Waltrip tainted their Nextel Cup debut.

"I didn't want to damage the integrity of the sport further by going out there and having people doing out there?"' Waltrip said. "I came real close to not running today."

Waltrip, a two-time Daytona 500 winner, needs to race his way into NASCAR's premier event in a qualifying race Thursday.

After his car failed inspection Sunday, Waltrip said he was devastated when his 9-year-old wondered why her father had cheated.

"That will hurt you pretty bad,"

[CharlesWayneCT]

This is the second time that I haven't been able to understand what Waltrip is trying to say.

[4yearlurker]

I heard on the radio this morning that the additive was "Jet fuel."

Could it be?

[thepatriot1]

I came real close to not running today

Wow, he's so sorry and broken up that he came real close to actually doing something to attone for it. Thats sincerity.

[Huck]

http://thesuperficial.com/2007/02/2007_sports_illustrated_swimsu.html

you wont be sorry

[Malsua]

I heard on the radio this morning that the additive was "Jet fuel."

I highly doubt it. Jet Fuel is closer to Kerosene/Diesel fuel than Gasoline. Adding that to a Gasoline engine would probably make it run like a POS.

[Publius6961]

When NASCAR mandated a maximum fuel tank size, Smokey noticed there was no rule about the length of the fuel line. He ran a fuel line back and forth the length of the car four times allowing his drivers to carry an extra five gallons of gas.

LOL!

It took me a few minutes before I could stop laughing, but it's not funny.

This is exactly what happens when controllers, elected or not, try to control people's lives with laws and rules.

Unintended consequences...

[rlmorel]

You know how the Japanese are about their games...

[Sax]

I really dug that one! Just imagine the smug satisfaction he must have felt cramming an extra five gallons in without even breaking any rules.

[rlmorel]

Maybe it was something like JP-7 that they used in the SR-71?

Now, THAT'S rocket fuel!

(Actually...it IS just fancy kerosene...:)

[HighlyOpinionated]

Whether he knew about it or not, Mikey will still be my favorite NASCAR personality. Ken Schrader is my second favorite. I don't think I've ever heard anything negative about Schrader.

One way to put the name "Toyota" on people's lips is to have something memorable occur. Whether it's positive and short-lived OR negative and remembered for an entire season . . .a lot of people will be watching Toyota and Michael Waltrip racing.

Was it planned this way? I doubt it. However it won't just be racing fans who will be watching Toyota and Michael Waltrip racing with new interest this NASCAR Season and even negative publicity is better than no publicity.

Mikey is bigger than this embarrassment and if Toyota and he can pull out a great racing season, all this will become just another NASCAR story.

[Blueflag]

OMG ...


Did you see her bodypainting pics?

[Huck]

Not yet. But I will. Oh yes...I will.