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NASCR WCUP: 1999 results don't tell real story for Philips driver Michael Waltrip

6 October 1999

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

HARRISBURG, N.C. - Sometimes in sports, the score just doesn't indicate how close a game really was. Such is the case for Philips Chevrolet driver Michael Waltrip in 1999. During a year in which his performance has exceeded past seasons, he has less to show for it.

Waltrip's first trip to Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte earlier this year is a perfect example. He ran well, sat just outside the top 10 with 50 miles to go, and then lost an engine. Since May, that has unfortunately become a common tale for Waltrip and his teammates, but yet they remain upbeat about their overall performance heading into this Sunday's 500-mile event at the 1.5 mile North Carolina quad-oval.

Michael Waltrip at Charlotte (career)...

Starts:  27
Top 5s:  3
Top 10s:  8
Top 15s:  12
Ave. start:  21.44
Ave. finish:  19.37
Winnings:  $544,570
Best start:  2nd ('91, '94)
Best finish:  3rd ('90, '95)
1999 (race 1):  37th

Michael Waltrip on...

...maintaining a positive outlook when results don't reflect performance:

"You just have to understand that if you race, sometimes you're going to wreck, and if you race, sometimes parts are going to break. What drives me is performance - to be able to pass people. I've been happy with our performance. It hasn't been great, but it's certainly been above average. I really believe we can continue to improve that, and go into these last six races with our hearts set on winning one of them. I know I can say that, and I know our team feels the same way.

"It's a very professional group that can endure what these guys have and still keep their heads up. But, that's what they've done and that's what I've done. This Philips team is still digging as hard 28 races into the season as it was right at the start, and that is something I really appreciate.

"Performing well is what makes me confident. And as my confidence builds and I come to expect that we are going to run well week-after-week, I think you will see a "snow ball" effect, where we'll just continue to get better-and-better."

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