CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Michael Waltrip will run a No. 15 car in this year’s Daytona 500 to commemorate the 10-year anniversary of his first Daytona victory — and the death of his late boss and friend, Dale Earnhardt.
Waltrip was driving the No. 15 car for Earnhardt’s team when he broke a 0-for-462 winless streak in the 2001 Daytona 500 driving for Earnhardt’s team. That day was anything but a celebration for Waltrip, as Earnhardt died in an accident on the final lap of the race.
Waltrip and sponsor Napa unveiled the commemorative car Tuesday.
Waltrip, a two-time Daytona 500 winner, owns a NASCAR team and has cut back his racing schedule. It will be his 25th consecutive Daytona 500.
