Michael Waltrip arrives at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto racing awards ceremony at Wynn Las Vegas Friday...

Michael Waltrip (99) begins to lose control in turn three during the NASCAR Nationwide Series Bashas' Supermarkets 200...

Martin Truex Jr., left, shares a laugh with team owner Michael Waltrip, right, during a news conference in Cornelius, N.C., Tuesday, July 7, 2009. Truex will drive...

Martin Truex Jr. drives past team members into the Michael Waltrip Racing shop during a news conference in Cornelius, N.C., Tuesday, July 7, 2009. Truex will...

...congratulated after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series LENOX Industrial Tools 301 by second place finisher Michael Waltrip, driver of the #55 NAPA Toyota, at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on June 29, 2008 in...

Time for a change

WEST ALLIS, WI - JUNE 20: Trevor Bayne, driving the #99 Michael Waltrip Racing Toyota, makes a pit stop during the NASCAR Nationwide Series NorthernTool.com 250 on June...

Michael Waltrip waves to the crowd during introductions prior to the start of the NASCAR Autism Speaks 400...

Michael Waltrip looks out from pit road during a rain delay in the NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 auto...

DOVER, DE - MAY 29: Michael Waltrip (L), driver of the #55 NAPA Toyota, talks with Marcos Ambrose, driver of the #47 RaceSavers...

Michael Waltrip (55) catches fire as his engine blows in turn three during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series...

AVONDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 07: David Reutimann (L), driver of the #44 UPS Toyota, talks with teammate Michael Waltrip, driver of the #55 NAPA Toyota, during qualifying for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Checker O...

NASCAR driver Michael Waltrip at media day at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla., Thursday, Feb. 5, 2009

MARTINSVILLE, VA - MARCH 27: Michael Waltrip, driver of the #55 NAPA Auto Parts Toyota stands in the garage during practice for the...

NASCAR driver Michael Waltrip exits his car after practice for the NASCAR Bud Shootout auto race at Daytona International Speedway...

DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 16, 2003: Many might have thought Michael Waltrip an unlikely candidate to win in NASCAR Cup Series racing going into the 2001 season, since...