Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports
As the days to the 2013 NASCAR season-opener approaches, another opportunity for Michael Waltrip to race for another win is within reach.
With the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season set to begin at Daytona International Speedway for the Daytona 500, Waltrip will be making his return to the race. At the season opener, Waltrip will have the opportunity to win his third Daytona 500 championship; but this time, he won’t be racing in one of his Michael Waltrip Racing cars. At the season opener, the two-time Daytona 500 winner will begin the season with Swan Racing in the No.30 car.
The announcement of the one-race deal was made on Friday, and in his one-time start with the team, Waltrip will reunite with Tony Eury Jr., who was his former crew chief.
“I am thrilled to drive the No.30 Toyota for Swan Racing and the chance to win a third Daytona 500,” said Waltrip in a statement. “Reuniting with Tony Jr., and Steve Hmiel brings back a lot of good memories and is going to create new ones.”
Waltrip, who won the Daytona 500 in 2001 and 2003, will start the season for the newly-formed Swan Racing. David Stremme will take over following Waltrip’s time in the car at the Daytona 500 as the team’s regular driver.
With Waltrip going behind the wheel of the No.30, Swan will be off a great start heading into their first full time season. Not only has Waltrip won the race twice in his career, but he knows plenty from an owner’s perspective and as a driver as well. His performance with the team can be a stepping stone, and could provide them with advice they could use moving forward.
Christy Valdez is a member of the NASCAR Media. Follow her on Twitter @Knowursports and on Facebook at On The Sidelines With Christy
