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NASCAR Winston Cup Series Hanes 500 Report: #21, Michael Waltrip

1 October 1997

 #21 Michael Waltrip, CITGO Ford Thunderbird
 NASCAR Winston Cup Series
 Hanes 500 Race Report
 Martinsville Speedway
 September 29, 1997
 
                  MICHAEL WALTRIP RACE REPORT: HANES 500

  
MARTINSVILLE, VA - Rain canceled all track activities on Sunday in
preparation for the Hanes 500. With the race rescheduled for an 11:00
am start Monday morning, Waltrip returned home to Charlotte to be with
his wife Buffy who was expecting with her first child.

As luck would have it, Waltrip drove Buffy to the Hospital at 8:30 pm
on Sunday night and at 6:38 am, Monday morning, she gave birth to a
healthy baby girl. After spending some time with their new daughter
named Margaret Carol Waltrip, Michael was transported by helicopter to
Martinsville in time for the start of the race.

Waltrip didn't fare quite as well in the race as he did in the
delivery room.  Waltrip realized within the first few laps that his
power steering was not working properly. Unable to repair it during
the first few caution flags, Waltrip had to manhandle the car
throughout the day to get around the demanding Martinsville Speedway.

On lap 444, Waltrip entered turn three when he realized his brakes
were completely gone. Waltrip, not able to slow the car down, slammed
the outside retaining wall. The CITGO Ford was done for the day
finishing in 32nd place.

Waltrip dropped one position to 19th in the overall point
standings. This week the Winston Cup Series heads to Charlotte, N.C.,
for the UAW-GM Quality 500.

By McLean Marketing