2006 NASCAR Driver Review: Michael Waltrip
While there weren’t any notable high points on the track for Michael Waltrip in 2006, he did score plenty of high points in his dealings off the track.
While there weren’t any notable high points on the track for Michael Waltrip in 2006, he did score plenty of high points in his dealings off the track.
Scott Wimmer was picked up by Richard Childress Racing in 2007, a deal which included running the final race of the Nextel Cup season at Homestead.
It took just two races of 2006 before JJ Yeley registered his first top-10 finish, coming home eighth at California Speedway in February.
Martin Truex Jr. saved his best for last. At Homestead in November, Truex led 27 laps and came home a career-best second in the final race of the Cup season.
As Jimmie Johnson turned to make his move on Dale Earnhardt Jr., Brian Vickers went with him, except he wasn’t clear of Johnson as he tried to draft behind him.
Kenny Wallace had to qualify on speed all season in underfunded, underpowered equipment with a first-year team; given this, 17 starts was not a terrible total.
Ironically, the high point of the season for Tony Stewart came late, when he won three races during the playoffs after getting knocked out of Chase contention.
David Stremme managed to break the top 15. He finished 11th at New Hampshire in July, then ended the year on a strong note with another 11th at Homestead.
Earning the third starting spot for the Daytona 500 with a Duel win, Elliott Sadler went on to lead five laps in the race before crossing the finish line in fourth.
Ken Schrader and company had their moments, and a nice run at Richmond in September was one of those bright spots.
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