McDowell to take the wheel of No. 00

Schwartz Fan · 01-05-2008, 11:01 PM

McDowell to take the wheel of Waltrip Racing's No. 00
ARCA driver to step into Cup upon retirement of Jarrett
By David Caraviello, NASCAR.COM
January 4, 2008
08:51 PM EST

Michael McDowell, the 2007 runner-up on the ARCA circuit, will succeed David Reutimann in the No. 00 Sprint Cup car at Michael Waltrip Racing, sources confirmed to NASCAR.COM.

McDowell, a 22-year-old native of Phoenix, likely will take over the No. 00 Toyota in late March at Martinsville, Va., when Reutimann will slide into the No. 44 car being vacated by the retirement of teammate and 1999 series champion Dale Jarrett. A formal announcement is expected later this month.

McDowell comes from a varied racing background. He raced go-karts in Europe against future Formula One drivers Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosburg, competed in a number of different sports car series, and got what he thought was his big break when the Rocketsports Champ Car team fielded cars for him in the final two events of the 2006 season. He finished 12th at Surfers Paradise and 11th in Mexico City, but a lack of funding left him searching for a ride.

A contact with Chip Ganassi's team led to him to Lorin Rainier, the organization's development chief, who in turn sent him to ARCA team owner Eddie Sharp. Sharp already was fielding a car for Josh Wise, a Michael Waltrip Racing developmental driver, which helped McDowell catch the eye of the Sprint Cup team owner and land a developmental deal of his own.

Michael Waltrip Racing officials tested McDowell and Wise repeatedly during the offseason in the hopes that one would be ready to take over the No. 00 car in 2008. Wise, a two-time U.S. Auto Club champion, likely is bound for a Nationwide Series ride, pending sponsorship.

NASCAR.COM - McDowell to*take the wheel of Waltrip Racing's No. 00 - Jan 4, 2008

revvinjim · 01-06-2008, 05:38 AM

McDowell gave Frank Kimmel a run for his money in the championship points, all the way until the second to last race, when he had a DNF. I think the guy will raise a few eyebrows with his performance, or maybe everyone knows what to expect for him. He is pretty well experienced for being only 22.

blueyedfairy_1 · 01-06-2008, 11:10 AM

I love that kid!!! He is so down to earth, he doesnt have that dickhead attitude and he ALWAYS has something good to say!!! I just hope he isnt moving up too soon like most drivers are trying to do early in their careers.

01-05-2008, 11:01 PM	#1 (permalink)
Schwartz Fan Co-Administrator Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: The flatlands...Where dirt is for farming, clay is for racin' and asphalt is for gettin there!!! Posts: 7,451	McDowell to take the wheel of No. 00 McDowell to take the wheel of Waltrip Racing's No. 00 ARCA driver to step into Cup upon retirement of Jarrett By David Caraviello, NASCAR.COM January 4, 2008 08:51 PM EST Michael McDowell, the 2007 runner-up on the ARCA circuit, will succeed David Reutimann in the No. 00 Sprint Cup car at Michael Waltrip Racing, sources confirmed to NASCAR.COM. McDowell, a 22-year-old native of Phoenix, likely will take over the No. 00 Toyota in late March at Martinsville, Va., when Reutimann will slide into the No. 44 car being vacated by the retirement of teammate and 1999 series champion Dale Jarrett. A formal announcement is expected later this month. McDowell comes from a varied racing background. He raced go-karts in Europe against future Formula One drivers Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosburg, competed in a number of different sports car series, and got what he thought was his big break when the Rocketsports Champ Car team fielded cars for him in the final two events of the 2006 season. He finished 12th at Surfers Paradise and 11th in Mexico City, but a lack of funding left him searching for a ride. A contact with Chip Ganassi's team led to him to Lorin Rainier, the organization's development chief, who in turn sent him to ARCA team owner Eddie Sharp. Sharp already was fielding a car for Josh Wise, a Michael Waltrip Racing developmental driver, which helped McDowell catch the eye of the Sprint Cup team owner and land a developmental deal of his own. Michael Waltrip Racing officials tested McDowell and Wise repeatedly during the offseason in the hopes that one would be ready to take over the No. 00 car in 2008. Wise, a two-time U.S. Auto Club champion, likely is bound for a Nationwide Series ride, pending sponsorship. NASCAR.COM - McDowell to*take the wheel of Waltrip Racing's No. 00 - Jan 4, 2008 __________________

01-06-2008, 05:38 AM	#2 (permalink)
revvinjim Resident Old Fart Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 1,973	McDowell gave Frank Kimmel a run for his money in the championship points, all the way until the second to last race, when he had a DNF. I think the guy will raise a few eyebrows with his performance, or maybe everyone knows what to expect for him. He is pretty well experienced for being only 22. __________________ Never argue with an idiot--people watching might not be able to tell the difference.

01-06-2008, 11:10 AM	#3 (permalink)
blueyedfairy_1 VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Upstate SC Posts: 3,779	I love that kid!!! He is so down to earth, he doesnt have that dickhead attitude and he ALWAYS has something good to say!!! I just hope he isnt moving up too soon like most drivers are trying to do early in their careers. __________________

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