YES!!! NAPA will be Back in 2009!
Jess
This is such great news! 
It was made official today at Watkins Glen that NAPA Auto Parts will return to Michael's #55 through 2009. It's such a relief to know that everyone at MWR - and all the fans! - can have one less thing to worry about. NAPA is a wonderful and loyal sponsor and it makes me so thankful that they've stayed faithful to Michael since 2001. They have definitely made the right choice by re-signing because when people think of NAPA they think of Michael. I don't think there is anyone else out there right now that can be as memorable of a spokesperson for NAPA as Michael Waltrip.
Plus it's also a relief because back in 2006 I named my new guinea pig Napa in celebration of NAPA leaving DEI to remain with Michael.
I know Michael wants to perform better than he has and he wants to make NAPA proud. I think if they stick with him they will have a lot to smile over! Thank you NAPA!!
In other news Jayski is now hearing that Aaron's may be be on the #44 part-time next season. This would be awesome but it also means that they'll be giving up races on the #99 Nationwide car - does that mean the #99 will be a full-time ride or will other sponsors fill the gaps? And who would fill the gaps on the Cup side? Most importantly, who is going to be driving the #44? The rumor mentions David and McD but nothing final. I'd assume it would be David since he's in the #44 right now and already has a great relationship with Aaron's.
Today during the rained-out practice David was up in the ESPN booth with Jerry Punch, Andy Petree and Dale Jarrett. It was an enjoyable interview (as always) but DJ said something I thought was a little interesting:
"I gotta ask - since I haven't been in the car since back in May and everything - you've got UPS as the sponsor and I know everything is going well over there...I just have to ask though, have they made you drive the truck yet or anything?"
Okay, is DJ...
1. clueless about all the UPS-leaving-MWR rumors?
2. actually aware of something nobody else is?
3. putting pressure on UPS to stay?
4. referring to the team as "going well"?
5. or just being nice because he adores David?
Things that make you go, "Hmm..."
I'm about ready to rip my hair out over all this. Why doesn't UPS just come out and say it if they're leaving? Are they stalling? If so, why? Is it because they are rethinking (because David is awesome!!)? I wish they'd just say something and get it all out in the open.
It was made official today at Watkins Glen that NAPA Auto Parts will return to Michael's #55 through 2009. It's such a relief to know that everyone at MWR - and all the fans! - can have one less thing to worry about. NAPA is a wonderful and loyal sponsor and it makes me so thankful that they've stayed faithful to Michael since 2001. They have definitely made the right choice by re-signing because when people think of NAPA they think of Michael. I don't think there is anyone else out there right now that can be as memorable of a spokesperson for NAPA as Michael Waltrip.
Plus it's also a relief because back in 2006 I named my new guinea pig Napa in celebration of NAPA leaving DEI to remain with Michael.
I know Michael wants to perform better than he has and he wants to make NAPA proud. I think if they stick with him they will have a lot to smile over! Thank you NAPA!!
In other news Jayski is now hearing that Aaron's may be be on the #44 part-time next season. This would be awesome but it also means that they'll be giving up races on the #99 Nationwide car - does that mean the #99 will be a full-time ride or will other sponsors fill the gaps? And who would fill the gaps on the Cup side? Most importantly, who is going to be driving the #44? The rumor mentions David and McD but nothing final. I'd assume it would be David since he's in the #44 right now and already has a great relationship with Aaron's.
Today during the rained-out practice David was up in the ESPN booth with Jerry Punch, Andy Petree and Dale Jarrett. It was an enjoyable interview (as always) but DJ said something I thought was a little interesting:
"I gotta ask - since I haven't been in the car since back in May and everything - you've got UPS as the sponsor and I know everything is going well over there...I just have to ask though, have they made you drive the truck yet or anything?"
Okay, is DJ...
1. clueless about all the UPS-leaving-MWR rumors?
2. actually aware of something nobody else is?
3. putting pressure on UPS to stay?
4. referring to the team as "going well"?
5. or just being nice because he adores David?
Things that make you go, "Hmm..."
I'm about ready to rip my hair out over all this. Why doesn't UPS just come out and say it if they're leaving? Are they stalling? If so, why? Is it because they are rethinking (because David is awesome!!)? I wish they'd just say something and get it all out in the open.
