Waltrip apologizes for outburst

His racing team has been penalized in dollars, as well as in points.
SPORTING NEWS NASCAR WIRE SERVICE
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Michael Waltrip was the model of humility when he came to the media center Thursday at Daytona International Speedway and apologized for casting a cloud over the Daytona 500.
"I'm here today just to apologize to NASCAR fans, sponsors, the other team owners," said Waltrip, who maintained that the as-yet-unidentified substance found in the fuel system of his No. 55 Toyota Camry was the work of "an individual or individuals" on his team.
Wednesday, NASCAR fined crew chief David Hyder 100,000 and docked owner of record Buffy Waltrip, Michael's wife, 100 championship points for infractions discovered during pre- and post-qualifying inspections of the NAPA Toyota last Sunday. It also penalized Michael Waltrip with the loss of 100 driver championship points, and his qualifying time from Sunday was disallowed.
Duo ejected
Hyder and Michael Waltrip Racing vice president of competition Bobby Kennedy were ejected from the speedway and suspended indefinitely for the violations. Waltrip said no MWR employees had been fired but the team was conducting an investigation to identify the culprit or culprits.
Waltrip said he considered withdrawing from Thursday's Gatorade Duel 150 qualifying race, but conversations with his sponsor, with representatives of Toyota and with his wife had convinced him to race.
"My wife and I talked for a long time this morning about what I was going to do, but racers race -- that's what they do," said Waltrip, who finished eighth in the first Duel and will start in the middle of the field Sunday.
Waltrip said the 100-point penalty was less of a concern than the damage the violations had done to the reputation of his team.
"I'm much more concerned about my credibility and perception of Michael Waltrip Racing," he said. "My 9-year-old asked her mom on Monday why Daddy cheated the rules. That'll hurt you pretty bad."
Disappointment evident
Toyota's reaction to the violations was measured, but the carmaker's disappointment with the infractions was clearly evident.
"Ethics, integrity, character and honesty are things that are extremely, probably of paramount importance to my company," said Lee White, senior vice president and general manager for Toyota Racing Development, USA.
"We expect to participate by the rules. We hold our people to a very high standard and certainly hope that we've partnered with the right people that hold their people to a high standard."
"We've been looking forward to this day for several years," said Jim Aust, president and CEO of TRD. "This has taken the limelight, the luster and the happiness away."
The most formidable task Waltrip faces is restoring his organization's credibility.
"For all those fans that bought a NAPA hat or a Michael Waltrip shirt, I just hope you can wear it proudly again," he said, "and I'm sorry."