rpm.espn.com: Users: Waltrip slowed by Dale's death

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Sunday, February 17

Users: Waltrip slowed by Dale's death
ESPN.com

We asked our users whether Michael Waltrip will be able to perform more consistently this season and in general, how will he fare in 2002. Here are some of the comments:

Michael has shown what he can do on superspeedways, he is a contender. If he and his team focus more on the short tracks, where a little more skill is involved, he could win more. Has anyone told him that the dents he seems to always pick up slow him down? He has the equipment and the financial support to win, he just needs to learn to drive. Possible top-15 if he can pull it together.

Denny Sconzo
Redmond, Wash.

I think Michael will be more consistent this year. While many expected him to have a great year in 2001 after he got his first win at Daytona. I don't think many people realize just how Dale Earnhardt's death really affected him. Imagine how he felt winning the biggest race of the year, having it be his first career win, and at the same time the man who made it possible gets fatally injured right behind him! I met him last year and even though I was just the casual fan, I could tell he was doing all he could to stay focused. This year he is going to kick butt! He may not win a championship but he will be in the top-10 and will repeat his win at Daytona.

Mike Roosen
Marysville, Mich.

Driving skills are not in the genes. Witness the Waltrip brothers. DW was a great champion who unfortunately spent most of the last years of his career as a owner/driver, something that no longer works in NASCAR. Unlike his brother, Michael has always been an also-ran. That won't change this year. He doesn't have what it takes to be a contender. Don't get me wrong. I like Michael's refreshing honesty, guess that comes with the name. I was glad to see him win Daytona last year. Like his brother, Michael is stubborn and won't give up easily. While I applaud the loyalty of Teresa Earnhardt, that can't last if the team is going to continue to be a viable part of Earnhardt's stable. Prediction: Michael will last out the season if he doesn't wreck too many cars, but won't be back with Earnhardt next year. He'll be trudging around in a third-rate ride, where he belongs.

Paul Cook
Mansfield, Conn.

He got a job at DEI because of who he is not for his ability. I liked him before he raced for Dale. His humor is great! He will have a job at DEI for many years to come because him and his brother were good friends of the one and only King Dale .

Rob Bachman
Mallard, Iowa

Mikey may not win many races, but he is one of the most popular drivers out there with the fans. Being popular is just as important as winning. Fans make you money and help you keep sponsors. That's why Dale Earnhardt gave Mikey a ride with DEI, and that is why DEI will keep him around for a while.

Timothy Roberts
Las Vegas

I belive Dale Sr.'s death had a lot to do with the way Mike preformed. I truly feel he will do a lot better this season. I really felt bad for him on his Daytona win what should have been a happy celebration was ruined by death.

Martha Grant
Reidsville, Ga.

Michael should be focused for 2002 and will compete better. He should finish in the top-15 in points but if he should falter, look for Kenny Wallace in the 15 car for 2003.

Alan Risa
Orangeburg, S.C.

I have been a Michael Waltrip fan since he was in the Busch Series back in the '80s. I always thought he could win and pulled for him week in and week out never giving up on him.The win in last year's Daytona 500 was a good start but what he went through with Dale's death took a lot out of him. I look for him as a contender each and every week this year.

Paul Brosman
Maple Shade , N.J.

I think Waltrip will do much better this year. Having your boss and friend die after winning the most important race in NASCAR would undoubtedly have an affect on your performance. However, after watching Waltrip win the second 125, I believe that his team, DEI, and Waltrip himself are more focused on turning out a winning performance this year.

Joshua Beazley
Roanoke, Va.

I think he will finally be aggressive. Last season it seemed he had to much on his mind, but when he noticed his teammates ahead of him, he got aggressive and finished the race at a good position. So I think he has his priorities straight and is going to repeat as Daytona 500 champion!

Keith Crass
Waukesha, Wisc.

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