BUSCH: M. Waltrip Dover report

DOVER, Del. (September 25, 2000) - After a solid qualifying run, Michael Waltrip and the No. 99 Aaron's Chevrolet team was collected in an accident on lap 150, ending the day early.

Waltrip started the Aaron's Dream Machine in the 13th position for the MBNA.com 200. He was showing lap times as fast as the leaders by lap 28. The first caution came on lap 31, and Waltrip reported the Dream Machine was a little loose. Crew chief Ronnie Silver and the No. 99 team made a great pit stop changing four tires, an air pressure adjustment, and fuel advancing Waltrip two positions to 11th place.

On lap 40, Waltrip said there was a very bad vibration in the car but stayed out on the track. Waltrip was forced to pit lap 75 during a green flag because the team thought they had a tire going down. The crew changed all four tires but the problem persisted after Waltrip went back out on the track.

On lap 128, Waltrip was in the 34th position when he brought the No. 99 Aaron's Chevrolet to the garage for the crew to change all four shocks and make other adjustments to the car. He went back out on lap 148 to test out the changes the crew made. Shortly after, the No. 3 of Ron Hornaday ran into the back of Waltrip, causing an accident that ended Waltrip's day earlier than expected.

The next Busch Grand National outing for Michael Waltrip is Charlotte, N.C. on October 7, 2000. Waltrip is the defending champion of the All Pro 300 at Lowe's Motor Speedway where last fall he came from the 31st place starting position to take the win.