Charlotte, NC – Michael Waltrip Racing had a very disappointing season in 2014.
In 2013 with few laps remaining in the final race to qualify for the Chase for the Championship, Clint Bowyer allegedly spun out on purpose to allow both MWR cars to qualify for the championship run. Penalties and disqualifications followed, including removal from the Chase, along with a reduction of personnel.
In contrast, MWR wasn’t part of the Chase for the Championship discussion in 2014. That made this past season less than satisfactory.
Bowyer was straight and to the point in discussing last year.
“Looking at last year, it was frustrating,” Bowyer said, “We worked very hard but couldn’t find the answer. The season sucked.”
Now looking ahead for 2015, Bowyer noted that he is fond of the new rules package as he feels it’s a step in the right direction, despite not having everything that he wanted.
“I think it’s going to make a difference, but only time will tell where it’s going to make a difference and on what track configuration and things like that,” Bowyer said. “I’m anxiously anticipating just like you are to see if it’s going to shake things up a little bit. I damn sure hope it helps us and hurts them.”
Meanwhile, teammate Brian Vickers had news. He is coming back earlier than first believed. After having heart surgery in the off season, it was originally thought that Vickers wouldn’t be back in the No.55 Toyota until after the Las Vegas race. He now is scheduled to drive in that race.
“I think I’ll be able to come back as strong as I was,” Vickers said. “I really won’t know until I turn into Turn one at 200 miles per hour at Las Vegas. The way the patch was replaced, it’s actually a better way to do it because it’s actually using your own skin to patch the hole. I’m feeling a lot better as far as my sternum is concerned. They had to crack it open, you know. When it grows back, it will be stronger than ever before.
“I’ll be good and healthy by the Chase and I’ll be eligible because I’m coming back early enough.”
Brett Moffitt and co-owner Michael Waltrip will assume driving duties until Vickers returns in the third race. Waltrip will drive in the Daytona 500 and Moffitt will be at the wheel in Atlanta.
“This is a heck of an opportunity for myself and I can’t thank Aaron’s and MWR for giving me this opportunity enough,” Moffitt said.
For Waltrip, it’s an opportunity to drive at Daytona, a place that he has had great success.
“I’m actually to my last couple of Daytona 500’s if not the last one and to be able to have that energy and have the team be happy that I was climbing in their car, it reminded me of back in 2001 when I went to drive for Dale (Earnhardt) – how good that felt,” Waltrip said. “I had that same feeling. I felt like a kid again the other day when I was sitting in that car and all of the crew guys were there to help me get fitted in and ready to go.”
