G.P. Putnam’s Sons has acquired the North American rights to D.W., which chronicles the remarkable life of NASCAR legend Darrell Waltrip, who retired in 2000 with 84 career victories, leaving him tied for third all-time. Now a popular commentator and analyst on FOX Sports’ NASCAR broadcasts, Waltrip will write his autobiography with bestselling co-author Jade Gurss. G.P. Putnam’s Sons Senior Editor Rob McMahon will edit the book, which was acquired from literary agent Richard Abate of ICM. D.W. will be published in hardcover by Putnam in February 2004. Darrell Waltrip commented, “Over the years, people have always told me I need to share my stories and experiences in a book. This is my first attempt at capturing the life, times and characters I have experienced in racing. It’s been fun for me to re-live the highs and lows when going back to compose my thoughts. I hope everyone enjoys it as much as I enjoyed living it.” Waltrip, who began his NASCAR career in 1975, was the sport’s brightest and most controversial star in the 1980s. Early in his career he was feared, loathed and admired in some measure by fans and fellow drivers alike. But as the decade wore on, he won over the hearts of his detractors and was voted NASCAR’s most popular driver in 1989 and 1990. He has continued to attract new (and younger) fans with his folksy style as a color commentator for FOX Sports’ NASCAR coverage. Waltrip exhibits genuine wit and charm in D.W., the story of a man who lived his dream every time he stepped into a racecar, and whose dreams got better every time he climbed out in Victory Lane. Honest, engaging, amusing and always entertaining, the book also provides an up-close and personal look at the evolution of NASCAR and its greatest drivers, including racing immortals Richard Petty and David Pearson, modern-day legends Dale Earnhardt and Jeff Gordon, and rising stars Tony Stewart and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. In addition to his television duties for FOX Sports, Waltrip is a frequent guest on the Imus in the Morning show during the racing season. He lives in Franklin, TN. Jade Gurss is the bestselling co-author of Driver #8, with Dale Earnhardt, Jr. He lives in Denver, NC. Hearing that signed copies of DW’s book will be available at www.dwstore.com .(PR)(6-17-2003)
