DW wins, then dances With the 1981, 82 and 85 series championships to his credit, Waltrip was still chasing the elusive Daytona 500 title in the latter half of his career. Coming into the 89 event, no one wouldve been surprised if his frustration had continued. The race was dominated by Ken Schrader, who led 114 of 200 laps. Waltrip, then 42, didnt emerge as a challenger until the end, when he used fuel conservation to notch the win, in the Tide Machine, as his Tide-sponsored, Rich Hendrick-owned Chevrolet was called. Staying in the draft rather than pushing for the lead, Waltrip was able to stay on the track when Schrader, the leader, and Dale Earnhardt, running second, were forced to pit for fuel with 10 laps remaining. The move boosted Waltrip who didnt pit during the final 80 laps into second place behind Alan Kulwicki. When Kulwicki slowed on Lap 196, Waltrip took the lead, desperately hoping he had enough fuel to reach the finish line. Those last four laps, I think I had four heart attacks, Waltrip said at the time, of he and crew chief Jeff Hammonds strategy. One lap I told him I was [out of fuel], then I said No Im not Yes I am No Im not.
DW saved the best for last: After repeatedly screaming I won the Daytona 500! in Victory Lane, he spiked his helmet and performed his version of the Icky Shuffle. I dont know if I did the Icky Shuffle right or not, but if I didnt it was the only thing I did wrong all week, Waltrip said that day.(NASCAR Media)(2-11-2006)
