”If we decide not to keep Michael, I believe we’d bring another driver in other than Martin,” said Earnhardt, citing that he believes the best course for Truex’s development in one more year in the Busch series. ”It’s kind of tough for Martin because he feels like he’s causing problems that he’s not even causing,” Earnhardt said. Waltrip has won a total of four races during his 3 ÃÂý years with DEI, but all the victories have come on the superspeedways of Daytona or Talladega, where DEI cars have excelled in restrictor-plate racing. Waltrip finished 24th in the point standings in 2001, prompting the first round of talk that his job was in jeopardy. But in July of 2002, DEI extended his contract with NAPA Auto Parts as its primary sponsor for two more years. Waltrip finished 14th in the championship in 2002 and was 15th last year. This year Waltrip is 24th, 229 points out of the final spot for the 10-race shootout for the championship.
”I love Michael,” said Earnhardt Jr., who leads the championship race. “It’s very difficult because Michael and Dad were great friends. And Michael is a good friend, and I think the world of him. And Michael would love to finish his career where he’s at. At the same time, we have to look toward the future. . . . That team [the No. 15 Chevy] has been going for three or four years and we feel like we’ve got to position ourselves for another driver for a good long relationship.” In the offseason last year, DEI tried to to lure two-time Indy Racing League champion Sam Hornish Jr. to drive a third car. Hornish decided to remain in the IRL and drive for Team Penske. Earnhardt said the team can’t pass up on a good ”home run hitter in the offseason” because they were waiting for Waltrip to retire. He also said it’s not ”healthy” for a team to switch drivers midseason, although he did not rule out the possibility that it could happen. ”If it cuts Michael’s career a couple of years shorter than he anticipated [with DEI], I don’t think he’s going to have a problem continuing what he wants to do,” Earnhardt said. Waltrip could not be reached for comment Wednesday, but after finish second to runaway victor Jimmie Johnson last week in the Coca-Cola 600 he said: “I know I have the talent and ability to do the job. It just reaffirms that.”(in part from the Miami Herald – need to register to view)(6-4-2004)