Michael Waltrip said Saturday at Talladega Superspeedway, that he plans to make an announcement about Michael Waltrip Racing’s 2008 plans on Friday, Oct 12th. Waltrip said he know what he wants to announce, but still has a few things to work out this week. When asked about #44-Dale Jarrett and a possible part-time 2008 schedule, Waltrip said Jarrett is can do whatever he wants and the decision is up to Jarrett.(PRN’s Garage Pass)(10-6-2007) UPDATE: #44-Dale Jarrett appears to be taking his first steps toward retirement. Jarrett, who has been mulling his racing future and a potential television career with ESPN, said Saturday after qualifying he intends to “race some” next year. Jarrett, who said he will remain with Michael Waltrip Racing, said he will reveal his plans on Thursday and a formal announcement is expected Friday. “I made my decision, [and] I’ll tell you the rest Thursday before qualifying [at Lowe’s Motor Speedway],” Jarrett said. “Can you hang on for five days? I don’t think it’s anything that will change the world or anything.” Waltrip, pole-sitter for Sunday’s UAW-Ford 500 at Talladega Superspeedway, is the owner of the three-car team but said he could not offer more regarding Jarrett’s decision. “We’ll just have to see,” Waltrip said. “I want him to do whatever he wants. He’s a legend, he’s a champion. I want him to be happy, so whatever it takes to do that. I know we’ve got something scheduled Friday, [but] we don’t know all we’re going to say yet. I know I own [the team], but I don’t know anything to tell you right now.” Meanwhile, in related Michael Waltrip Racing news, driver David Reutimann said he anticipates having his contract worked out within the next few days. “I think we’re all in a pretty good place right now,” Reutimann said. “We still have some things to work out, some I’s to dot and t’s to cross, but hopefully we’ll have something in the next couple days.”(ESPN.com)(10-7-2007) UPDATE 2: #44-Dale Jarrett is leaning toward running just six races next year before stepping out of his car after 23 seasons. Jarrett has been mulling his future for several months and does not plan to drive the car past the March 30 event at Martinsville, according to a person familiar with the 2008 plans at Michael Waltrip Racing told The Associated Press. The person requested anonymity because portions of the deal are still being finalized. Jarrett, the 1999 Cup champion, has a past champion’s provisional that can be used six times to ensure him a spot in the field. That will take him up to Martinsville, where he made his first career start in 1984. MWR officials are hopeful Jarrett can use those six events to get the #44 Toyota inside the top 35 in points. The top 35 cars are locked into the field, and MWR’s three cars have all been outside the cutoff this season and have struggled to make races. The team currently hopes to replace Jarrett with David Reutimann, who drives the #00 and would pilot it while Jarrett closes out his career. MWR wants to continue racing the #00 after the switch, but the driver [David Stremme is rumored] and sponsor are still being ironed out. Jarrett is expected to ease into the broadcast booth upon retirement. He’s done some work for ESPN this season and has thrived in the booth, but stressed that future opportunities did not play into his decision.(Associated Press)(10-7-2007)
