Michael Waltrip Texas Preview

Texas could be good medicine to soothe Darlington disappointment for Michael Waltrip

HARRISBURG, N.C. (March 23, 1999) - Philips Chevrolet driver Michael Waltrip felt plenty of disappointment after Sunday's race at Darlington. But with Texas Motor Speedway as the next stop on the 1999 NASCAR Winston Cup Series schedule, Waltrip can leave that feeling behind and replace it with optimism and confidence. In two trips to Texas, Waltrip has scored two ninth place finishes, and he knows another good run would go a long way toward strengthening his top 10 position in the current series points.

Michael Waltrip at Texas...

        Starts    Top 5s    Top 10s    Ave. Start    Ave.Finish Winnings
Texas      2         0            2           30.50   * 9.00    $178,350

[Best start: 21st (1997); best finish: 9th ('97 and '98)] * Ranks 4th among drivers with 2 starts

Michael Waltrip on...

...running the "new" Texas Motor Speedway:

"The track is definitely going to be 'grippier' since they just re-paved it, so the speeds are going to be fast. The surface is going to be very sticky. But, basically the same set up we've run in the past should apply.

"I've run ninth both times down there and have had some pretty good cars, so I'm comfortable with the track. I know the feeling I need to find on Saturday afternoon to think that we can be a contender on Sunday."

...the Philips Racing Team's strong start:

"As much as anything, I think everybody on this team appreciates where we all came from. Everyone working on this Philips Chevrolet has experience and a knowledge of the sport, and knows what they've been able to do, but yet they're open to know that the other guy has the same thing. We've been able to open up to each other and communicate well. It's a deal where nobody cares whose idea it is, as long as it's the best idea."

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