Feb 16, 2023; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; Former driver and TV commentator Michael Waltrip talks with team owner Richard Petty on pit road before the start of the Bluegreen Vacations Duel 1 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Michael Waltrip, a former NASCAR racer, posted a picture of himself with seven-time Cup Series champion Richard “The King” Petty on social media after receiving it from a fan. Earlier today, Waltrip showed off the picture featuring his and Petty’s autographs to his 146k Instagram followers. In the message that goes with the picture, the 61-year-old former driver also expressed his gratitude to The King and the fans: “I like to autograph the memorabilia that the @nascar fans send. Usually, they include heartfelt comments expressing how they used to support me. However, you occasionally have a recollection like this one, where you are spending time with the King. And that truly makes me thankful.
During Waltrip’s time in NASCAR, he drove for another seven-time champion’s team, Dale Earnhardt Incorporated, for five seasons from 2001 to 2005.
He won all four of his career race victories in the Cup Series while he was a member of the team, which also included competing with Dale Earnhardt Jr. His finest ranking throughout his tenure in the top division of stock car racing was 15th in the points standings in 2003. In the Cup and the Xfinity Series, which began in 2002 and 1996, respectively, Michael Waltrip also had his own team. With drivers like Mark Martin and Martin Truex Jr., Michael Waltrip Racing has won seven Cup Series races. The team owner’s driving of the #99 car contributed to four of MWR’s five Xfinity Series victories.
In the Cup and the Xfinity Series, which began in 2002 and 1996, respectively, Michael Waltrip also had his own team. With drivers like Mark Martin and Martin Truex Jr., Michael Waltrip Racing has won seven Cup Series races. The team owner’s driving of the #99 car contributed to four of MWR’s five Xfinity Series victories. Darrell Waltrip, the three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and brother of Michael Waltrip, made one appearance for his team in the second division of the stock car racing competition in 2006.
Michael Waltrip thanks Fox Sports viewers for watching. Even though he and his team no longer compete in NASCAR, Michael Waltrip remains heavily involved. As a commentator for Fox Sports, Waltrip has covered the Truck Series since 2004 and the Cup Series since 2012. Additionally, he has contributed to NASCAR Raceday and NASCAR Race Hub. Earlier on Thursday, the former #99 driver posted on Instagram Stories to express his gratitude to his Fox Sports followers and announce that he will be returning to the network for the next season. He stated: “Resuming in 2025.” The Clash will kick off Fox Sports’ coverage of the NASCAR Cup Series at Bowman Gray at Bowman Gray Stadium on Feb.
