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Michael Waltrip's car for Aaron's 499 NASCAR race at Talladega.
"I bet I get as many boos as Kyle Busch and as many cheers as Dale Jr." said NASCAR Driver/Owner Michael Waltrip when speaking about his introduction at today's Aaron's 499 NASCAR - Sprint Cup Series Race.
Waltrip will make his 50th start at Talladega and will be driving an Auburn car in the race. Starting in the 12th position, the Aaron's number 15 will have a special blue and orange paint scheme with the interlocking AU logo on the hood, BCS National Champions on the sides, and "WAR EAGLE - Auburn Tigers" on the rear.
MWR racing and Aaron's is sponsoring the Auburn car to honor Auburn's 2010 National Championship. Waltrip will appear with Auburn Head Coach Gene Chizik (who is serving as Race Grand Marshal) at 9 a.m. CST in the Talladega media center.
Coach Chizik said, "It's truly an honor to be involved in an event that is huge for our state each spring. The Talladega Superspeedway is one of the greatest race tracks in the country and it will be special to have Auburn University represented in the race. We'll be pulling for Michael Waltrip (to win) in the Aaron's No. 15 Auburn car."
"It's great to partner with Aaron's and celebrate Auburn's national championship," said Waltrip. "I get to be in an Auburn car to let the fans cheer as I race towards the front.
Of course Michael recognizes that not all in attendance will be thrilled to see an Auburn car in the race. "I don't care if they boo or cheer. The cool thing is people will notice the Aaron's car."
"I mean think about it; a Kentucky guy driving an Auburn car in front of a lot of Alabama fans in a NASCAR race at Talladega. You can't write stuff better than that."
I have no idea how many here at Track ‘Em Tigers follow NASCAR. I have to admit that I'm not the biggest race fan but I will be watching the Talladega race today and yelling "War Eagle" as the two time Daytona 500 winner races the Auburn car toward the checkered flag.
