SHORT TRACK AMERICA Special Report from Zephyrhills, FL.
By Bill Green
Michael Waltrip Racing made public at a very special kick-off party at the Reutimann Racing Shop in Zephyrhills, Florida that local racing talent David Reutimann would be the newest driver in the 2007 NASCAR Nextel Cup competition.
David will be pulling double duty in 2007. Driving two very full schedules in the 2007 Nextel Cup and Busch Championship runs for the newly formed Burger King/Domino’s Pizza Toyota team on the Cup side and returning to the Aaron’s Dream Machine in the Busch series.
Team owner Michael Waltrip had high praise for the 36 year old Reutimann, “David has proven in a short time frame that he can get the job done.
AUDIO:David thanks his supporters and those who helped him along the way
And after running the Toyota truck for Darrell Waltrip Racing this season, it was a logical choice to look closely at the guy that runs the Toyota product already.” He also add a jab at brother Darrell about making stealing David easy.
Darrell Waltrip’s appearance at this kick-off event seemed to add some solidarity to the Toyota camp, gaining his approval made the decision by David easier. But, Darrell made it clear, in typical DW fashion, that he was giving up a great driver, “David may have wrecked a few trucks in the early days of this relationship, but he showed his ability to finish races and salvage great finishes from other peoples mistakes.”
After the preliminary announcements about the Burger King/ Domino’s Pizza deal for a Reutimann to run the Famous #00 number again. The hometown crowd of some 250 fans, friends and family were treated to dinner from Domino’s and a David Reutimann Roast.
Roaster’s included David’s Dad Buzzie, cousins Shawn and Wayne JR, plus his 1999-2003 Pennsoil Pro-Cup owner Michael Wakely, long time friend Brian Paddy and Darrell Waltrip himself, took shots at an excited and awe struck David Reutimann.
Zypherhills Mayor, Clint McDuffy, got in on the action by presenting David with a “Key To The City” in return for a promise that David would no longer use the streets of his hometown for impromptu street races, as he did when in his teen years.
Lastly on the evening, David got to thank the fans, his supporters and his fantastic family for their untiring support and selfless sacrifices over the years he raced on no money at all, team members paid in cheeseburgers and supporters whom gave and gave, but never ask for payment. The real David Reutimann showed his true belief that he would not be where is was today, if not for the effort of all those that touched his career along the way.
Related links:
Click Here To Listen to the Roast of David Reutimann on what had to be one of the happiest days of his life!
Read the official release from Michael Waltrip Racing
Congratulations, David. Enjoy the ride and thanks for taking us along and tune into Real Racin’ USA tonight 7-9 PM for more on this story.
MORE PHOTOS:(Special thanks to Carleen Wilbanks for photography)
Buzzie Reutimann and Darrell Waltrip Share a moment in time
Buzzie Reutimann on the mic, David is far left, Michael Waltrip to Buzzie’s right
David Reutimann center stage
Michael Waltrip and Darrell Waltrip spent the day at Reutimann Racing in Zephyrhills
