It is likely that Michael Waltrip will leave the #7 Ultra Motorsports Team before the end of the season and race in a NAPA-sponsored(#15?), Dale Earnhardt Inc.-owned car in the final one or two races this year. Waltrip will move to that team full time next year. Geoffrey Bodine could wind up driving the #7 car in the races remaining after Waltrip’s departure(That’s Racin’)(10-16-2000) UPDATE: According to sources at Ultra Motorsports, Michael Waltrip is expected to leave the #7 Nations Rent Chevrolet before the end of the season to begin his new stint as the third driver in the Dale Earnhardt Inc. stable. Waltrip could make his debut as early as Phoenix, but more likely will drive for DEI at Homestead. Last month, Earnhardt announced that Waltrip, 37, would drive the NAPA Monte Carlo in the Winston Cup series. Scott Eggleston, currently of SABCO Racing, will be named crew chief of that team. The team has designs on running the #15 on Waltrip’s car. Mike Wallace, who drives the #2 Ford for Ultra Motorsports in the CTS will drive the #7 Monte Carlo for the remainder of the year. Wallace is also under consideration for the #7 seat in 2001, but has talked to other Winston Cup owners including Larry McClure(Sporting News)(10-18-2000)
