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NASCAR WCUP: Michael Waltrip stumbles after great qualifying effort

9 March 1999

LAS VEGAS, Nev. - Philips Chevrolet driver Michael Waltrip didn't leave Las Vegas Motor Speedway Sunday with a million dollars or even a smile. But he did leave with a hard-fought 22nd place finish in the Las Vegas 400.

Waltrip entered the event with high goals and high expectations, especially after placing his No. 7 Philips Chevrolet on the outside of the front row during Friday qualifying. On top of that, the Owensboro, Kentucky driver was eligible for the "Winston No Bull 5" $1 million bonus, if he secured the victory in the third race of the 1999 NASCAR Winston Cup campaign.

But, 118 laps into the race, those goals and expectations met adjustment, as Waltrip spun exiting turn two and was struck broadside by Steve Grissom. After several quick pit stops, Waltrip returned his battered machine to the racetrack in 21st position, still on the lead lap, but at a severe performance handicap. For the final 140 laps, Waltrip wrestled with an unpredictable car, managing to stay within two laps of the leaders, finishing 22nd.

The finish was Waltrip's worst of the season, but despite the disappointment, his team finds itself with plenty to build on with 31 races remaining on the schedule. After three events, Waltrip stands 13th in points, just four points out of the top 10. His stellar qualifying effort on Friday nearly netted him his third career Winston Cup pole, and placed him in a front row starting position for the sixth time in his career and the first time since October 1994.

Waltrip and his Mattei Motorsports teammates now head to Atlanta looking for better fortune in next Sunday's Cracker Barrel 500.