Michael Waltrip Prepares for 2008
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Posted by Jeremy Dunn Oct 12, 2007 |
As anticipated, Michael Waltrip revealed his new business partner, Robert Kauffman, on Friday. Kauffman is a managing partner of Fortress Investment Group. Furthermore, 1999 champion Dale Jarrett will run the preseason shootout at Daytona in February, the first five Sprint Cup races, as well as the Sprint All-Star Challenge. He will start the season in the #44 UPS Toyota.
Following Jarrett's departure from the 44 ride, David Reutimann will become the spokesperson for UPS. Reutimann will start the season in the #00 Aaron's Toyota.
Waltrip expressed his intentions to field three full-time teams, however, no full-time sponsor or driver has been named yet for the 00 car. A couple of names that keep popping are Jeremy Mayfield and David Stremme. Mayfield will be leaving Bill Davis Racing following the 2007 season. Stremme's name has been link to several rides such as Gillett Evernham Motorsports, Haas CNC, and now Michael Waltrip Racing. The Gillett Evernham ride is no longer vacant, so Stremme will likely drive for Haas or Waltrip.
You have to give Michael Waltrip credit, he did issue a formal apology to Reutimann and Dale Jarrett for the team's lack of performance.
"I want to apologize to him and David for not having the team that they needed at the start of the season."
Greg Biffle, along with Ryan Newman, will be hot commodities in 2008 as their current contracts will expire. Newman and Biffle have both spent their entire NASCAR careers with the same organization and I do expect that to change. Biffle and Roush Fenway Racing will spend the off-season working on a contract extension. Earlier in the week, Roush Fenway officials announced that 3M will serve as the primary sponsor for the 16 car in 2008.
Newman's performance has been strong enough to warrant a contract extension with Penske Racing.