Michael Waltrip statement on NASCAR’s ruling
Quote selected text Published February 14th, 2007 in NASCAR News
Michael Waltrip’s statement regarding the NASCAR penalties handed down this evening to the #55 Michael Waltrip Racing entry: “In the past 12 months, Michael Waltrip Racing has hired more than 150 people and we currently employ more than 200. Although we have grown at an accelerated pace, it has been our mission to hire people with high moral value and character to properly represent our sponsors and our ownership.
During preparations for the 2007 season and especially the 2007 Daytona 500, I specifically requested that our competition teams not disrespect NASCAR, our competitors or our sponsors by blatantly circumventing the rules. This is not the action of an organization, a manufacturer or a sponsor. This was an independent act done without consent or authorization from me or any of my executive management team. As an owner, I realize I am ultimately held responsible for the actions of my employees.
Therefore, I accept the penalties issued tonight by NASCAR. I respect NASCAR’s rules, its people and the sport’s integrity, which is why I am so sad and embarrassed. I am dedicated to get to the bottom of this because I will not let the independent act of an individual or individuals tarnish the incredible accomplishment my organization has made to be where we are today. I want to apologize to the other owners, who know how hard I’ve worked to get here in such a short period of time, NASCAR, Toyota, NAPA, all my sponsors, the drivers and especially the fans.”
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I do believe Mikey and I will tell ya why…he worked his butt off to get this
team into the Nextel Cup. I don’t think he would jeopardize it by doing something
this stupid. Cheaters don’t win (unless you drive a 48 car) and he realizes that - he
has won two Daytona 500’s to date.
Johnson doesn’t cheat. Your statement should be “unless you drive the 8 car.” Oh wait never mind. He doesn’t win.
Johnson has never cheated, knaus maybe, but not Johnson, and Jimmie has proven over and over that he can win without cheating. Sorry he is just so good that you think he has to cheat in order to win.. LMAO Pity really!
refresh my memory - when was tony eury suspended for cheating? oh that’s right.
NEVER. and how many times has chad been suspended? last season, a four race suspension
was unheard of. it’s the chad knauss’ of this sport that are forcing the stiffer
penalties. And that is the pity.
You’re right Angela. Jr and his team get special treatment and we all know why!!
Yeah. Because they don’t cheat~!
what makes you guys think that jr cheats? u have no proof of that…and i dont think that michael cheats. we all know that knaus does we have proof. and just because jr is sr son doesnt mean thats only reason he gets alot of attention. hes just very well liked and it does have a little bit to do becuase of his dad everyone knows that. and i really dont think he gets special attention he gets treated like all drivers do.
There is only two types in racing.. Cheaters And loosers…..Wake Up!!!!
No he get special treatment because his dad died. And his dad was “the face of Nascar.” Thats why. Jr didn’t make any fans on his own. They all are and were fans of his dad. The same thing will happen when Rusty’s son gets in to Nextel Cup. They don’t earn their fans, they inherit them.
Rustys boy couldn’ drive a nail… but he’s pretty good at kickin the tires after he wrecks the car…… otta be a used car salesman !!!!!
I was not a Sr. fan, but you have to respect the man. I am a Jr. fan. I was not
inheirited, I was made. Same with Rusty, I was not a fan of his, but if his son
just happens to have a laid-back attitude and seem like someone I would like to
drink a beer with, then I will probably root for him too. I am a big Mark Martin fan,
but I don’t really know anything much about Matt. It’s not about bloodlines, I’m not
picking out a labrador!!!
Hooray for NASCAR and the media. what a great job of character asassination. Why do commentators have to interpret rather than state fact. Michael stated that he was the head of the company and he was responsible NOT THAT HE HAD ANY KNOWLEDGE OF THE ACTIONS OF SOMEONE ON THE TEAM! c’MON, TELL IT LIKE IT IS.
same here i wasnt a big sr fan i dont just like jr because his dad i know more about jr cause i grew up more around him not all fans are just inherited.
SAY IT LOUDER NORM!!! Goodness, what a gossip rag this is turning out to be!
Has anyone maybe thought of the fact that there are a ton of ANTI-Toyota peeps
out there? I’ve heard many many comments in the stands about the coming of
“TOYOTA” and I’m at least open to the fact that maybe one of those anti-people
may have had something to do with this situation? I’d like to believe Mikey
wouldnt do anything to jeopardize his involvement with Toyota.
the “racenbug”