From Ruin to Redemption: Part 1
I want to infuse the emotion and uncertainty in this in as much detail as possible, so because of time constraints I will write this in two parts.
After an agonizing wait, Michael Waltrip’s penalties were announced in a press conference with VP of Corporate Communications, Jim Hunter, and VP of Competition, Robin Pemberton.
Apparently there was some sort of gel-like fuel additive found in the fuel system that leaked into the intake manifold, where the substance was initially discovered Sunday afternoon. According to Hunter and Pemberton, it was something they have never seen before and something that cannot easily be obtained. They denied to say what the substance was, which did not surprise me.
Penalties:
-Michael’s Bud Pole Qualifying time disallowed.
-Michael’s crew chief, Larry (David) Hyder – suspended indefinitely (“A very long time.”).
-Hyder fined $100,000.
-MWR’s VP of Competition, Bobby Kennedy, suspended indefinitely.
-Loss of 100 Champion and Owner points for the #55 NAPA Camry.
Despite the obvious severity of the above penalties, all I could feel was relief – they were letting Michael compete in the Duels. From what they said, they considered suspending Michael and the team as well, so all I could do was thank NASCAR for their mercy. With the incredible size of the infraction, he probably should have been booted.
The battle was not over. Michael bypassed his own backup car and instead took David Reutimann’s, which had seen Daytona Speedway before (unlike Michael’s backup). However, the car did not fit the templates. The MWR team worked on it with all they could.
Last night, Michael released this statement:
“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.”
I greatly appreciated Michael taking full responsibility for what happened and for accepting what he got. A good owner. No excuses. No conspiracy crap. Michael, as the team owner and driver of the #55, ultimately should know what is going into his car. I went to bed feeling shaken but thankful for Michael’s second chance.
This morning, Michael addressed the media for the first time. It was during that conference that we learned that Michael had considered not running in the Duels. Thankfully, support from his wife, Buffy, the garage and even NASCAR itself changed his mind. The guilt Michael must have felt to consider withdrawing himself more than likely cannot be described in words.
We then learned that the #55 Camry was still being worked on as of 11 this morning. At first, NASCAR had stated that the car had to be through inspection by that hour. However, this was waived. Thank you again, NASCAR!!
Nerves were pretty much shot by then – would the car even be ready in time for the 1st Duel? And if it was, would it even be possible for Michael to race his way in, in an unproven car from the back?
The first was answered when Michael appeared on pit road before the his Duel. But…how would he race?
After an agonizing wait, Michael Waltrip’s penalties were announced in a press conference with VP of Corporate Communications, Jim Hunter, and VP of Competition, Robin Pemberton.
Apparently there was some sort of gel-like fuel additive found in the fuel system that leaked into the intake manifold, where the substance was initially discovered Sunday afternoon. According to Hunter and Pemberton, it was something they have never seen before and something that cannot easily be obtained. They denied to say what the substance was, which did not surprise me.
Penalties:
-Michael’s Bud Pole Qualifying time disallowed.
-Michael’s crew chief, Larry (David) Hyder – suspended indefinitely (“A very long time.”).
-Hyder fined $100,000.
-MWR’s VP of Competition, Bobby Kennedy, suspended indefinitely.
-Loss of 100 Champion and Owner points for the #55 NAPA Camry.
Despite the obvious severity of the above penalties, all I could feel was relief – they were letting Michael compete in the Duels. From what they said, they considered suspending Michael and the team as well, so all I could do was thank NASCAR for their mercy. With the incredible size of the infraction, he probably should have been booted.
The battle was not over. Michael bypassed his own backup car and instead took David Reutimann’s, which had seen Daytona Speedway before (unlike Michael’s backup). However, the car did not fit the templates. The MWR team worked on it with all they could.
Last night, Michael released this statement:
“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.”
I greatly appreciated Michael taking full responsibility for what happened and for accepting what he got. A good owner. No excuses. No conspiracy crap. Michael, as the team owner and driver of the #55, ultimately should know what is going into his car. I went to bed feeling shaken but thankful for Michael’s second chance.
This morning, Michael addressed the media for the first time. It was during that conference that we learned that Michael had considered not running in the Duels. Thankfully, support from his wife, Buffy, the garage and even NASCAR itself changed his mind. The guilt Michael must have felt to consider withdrawing himself more than likely cannot be described in words.
We then learned that the #55 Camry was still being worked on as of 11 this morning. At first, NASCAR had stated that the car had to be through inspection by that hour. However, this was waived. Thank you again, NASCAR!!
Nerves were pretty much shot by then – would the car even be ready in time for the 1st Duel? And if it was, would it even be possible for Michael to race his way in, in an unproven car from the back?
The first was answered when Michael appeared on pit road before the his Duel. But…how would he race?
