Michael Waltrip: Are his days numbered?

Q: Did anyone see the final practice this afternoon? They showed an in-car angle on Mikey, and when he went into the corners, he could barely keep his head held up, and his body would sink into the seat. I know that going into the corners puts extreme G-force on the driver, but then they showed a split screen with Dale Jr and Michael, and Jr looked solid in his seat. Waltrip looked tired and worn out after a few laps of practice. How can he be competitive like this? 400 miles is a long way when a driver doesn't have the strength to hold himself up. How can a sponsor have any confidence in him? I don't want this forum to bash him, so please only answer my question if you saw what I'm talking about and have an honest opinion about it. Thanks.

A: I saw what you were talking about, and I dont think it has anything to do with strength or fatigue. The split screen between Jr and Waltrip just showed the difference between the two teams, if anything. Jr and Hendrick Motorsports have put alot of time, research and money into the seat and support systems for their drivers. I dont believe MWR has the money or resources to do the same. It also doesnt help that Waltrip is 6ft5, so there is more body for the G-forces to affect, so it will appear to make him look more slumped over. It also doesnt help that Waltrip likes his steering wheel closer to him, since he drives it using his entire arm, vice how Jr and the majority of the other drivers drive, which is just with their hands. With the steering wheel so much closer, it makes Waltrip all that much more crammed into his car... As far as whether his days are numbered, I say by the end of next year, if things havent improved over where the 55 team is currently, you might see him step out of the car for good.

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