Waltrip, Montoya Have Different Degrees of Success

Two of the most talked about stories coming into the 2007 NASCAR season involved drivers who were looking at making a new statement in racing. Michael Waltrip and his three car Toyota team were looking to take Toyota to the top of NASCAR. Juan Pablo Montoya, a successful driver at many levels of racing now was embarking on his initial season in NASCAR with lots of experts predicting a quick learning curve and success of the ovals of NASCAR. So far in 2007 these two drivers appear to be heading in different directions.

Waltrips season has been anything but a success. Until racing in Saturdays Nextel Open Waltrips only racing in 2007 had been at the Daytona 500 or in practice or qualifying. Waltrip has failed to qualify his Toyota Camry in ten consecutive races. At this point in the season Waltrip actually has negative drivers points in the standings as a result of an illegal substance found in his fuel at Daytona. His crew chief and team manager were suspended and his crew chief David Hyer eventually quit the team altogether.

Waltrip tries to stay positive. He puts most of the blame for his own struggles on the fact he is trying to keep a three car team using new equipment together. Running a three car team for an established team is hard enough, for Waltrip and his new Toyotas it has been too much.

Juan Pablo Montoya has been trying to do everything the right way in his first NASCAR season. Montoya has been making his way through the first part of the NASCAR season and has had moments of success. The rookie driver sits 21st in the Nextel Points race, ahead of such drivers like Reed Sorenson, Kasey Kahne and Sterling Marlin. He has two top tens and one top five so far this season. In the Busch series Montoya ranks 9th in the points and has three top tens. The jewel of Montoyas 2007 season so far has to be his Busch series win in Mexico.

Although Montoya has not won on the 2007 Nextel Cup circuit, he has been sniffing around waiting for his opportunity. I said before the season Montoya would win a race and it still could happen with a little luck. There is no doubt he is a great driver and as he sees these tracks for the second and third times he should be even more competitive.

Two drivers, one new to the grind of NASCAR, one that has been around the block a few times. Both with great resumes of racing, one seemingly heading the right direction, and one trying to stop the bleeding. This is one of the reasons NASCAR is that ever evolving soap opera of racing. Two stories to keep your eye on for the remainder of 2007.

The Week That Was

After a 12 year absence veteran NASCAR drive John Andretti qualified for the Indy 500. Andretti qualified 24th for the May 27 race. Andrettis best finish at Indy is 5th in 1991.

Dale Earnhardt Jr was docked 100 points and his crew chief Tony Eury was suspended for six races after his car was found to have improperly mounted brackets on his car following the Darlington race.

Bill Elliott returns. Elliott begins a race to race deal with the Wood Brothers team beginning with this weeks Coca Cola 600.

The Racing Weekend

Kevin Harvick won the Nextel All Star Challenge and over 1 million dollars on Saturday night in Charlotte. Harvick led the final 20 laps and outdistanced Jimmie Johnson for the All Star victory.

The Week Ahead

The Coca Cola 600 will run this coming Sunday night on FOX. In the midst of a disappointing season, Kasey Kahne is the defending champ. The pre race show on Sunday will honor all branches of the US Military. The Army Drill Team will perform and the Army Parachuting Team, The Golden Knights will arrive by air. LeAnn Rimes will perform the national anthem, and F-22s will be featured in the fly over.

Rick C. Limpert is a freelance writer for Nothin' But NASCAR, and is based in Atlanta, GA. He has written for print and online publications for over 7 years. He is happy to hear from you with any comments, questions, or suggestions you may have.

He can be reached at rclimpert@nothinbutnascar.com