NASCAR Talk

Past champion and current Michael Waltrip Racing driver Dale Jarrett announced last week that he would retire as of the 2008 season. Before retiring, Jarrett will start the first five races of the year for Michael Waltrip Racing in the #44 car to hopefully get the team into the top 35. If the team is not in the top 35 at the end of the 2007 season, Jarrett will use his 5 available champion provisionals in order to start in the first five races of the season. After his provisionals have run out, he will give up the ride to David Reutimann for the remainder of the 2008 season. Dale Jarrett will also pilot the #44 UPS Toyota in the Bud Shootout at the beginning of speed weeks in Daytona in February, and his final race will be the All-Star race at Lowe’s Motorspeedway in Charlotte at the end of May.

Dale Jarrett fans won’t get the opportunity to miss him too much, though, as he plans on staying front and center in NASCAR but this time from behind the microphone instead of the steering wheel. Dale has signed on with ESPN to be a commentator and broadcaster for their NASCAR coverage.

His evacuation from the #44 car and David Reutimann’s taking over leaves the #00 Toyota open for a new driver. No name has been announced, although rumors have put either David Stremme or Jeremy Mayfield in that seat. The sponsorship of the #00 is still up in the air as well with Burger King and Dominos not resigned as of yet.

NASCAR, Dale Jarrett, Michael Waltrip Racing, Dale Jarret Retiring

While watching “Trackside” this weekend on the Speed Channel, I happened to hear Elliott Sadler and Dale Earnhardt Jr. talking about a new venture they were participating in. Apparently, Elliott had the brilliant idea to start up an online poker site where fans could play poker against some of their favorite drivers. Thus, the Victory Lane Player’s Club (VLP Club) was born. In addition to Sadler and Earnhardt, you could play a hand with Kasey Kahne, Dale Jarrett, Tony Stewart, or Jamie McMurray.

I quickly perused the site to see what is offered for the small monthly fee ($20 for a full pass) in comparison to the “rookie” membership which is free. Each full pass member receives a special prize pack which includes a hat, t-shirt, and a hero card. Full members are also the ones who are eligible to qualify to play a driver in a special tournament. Both paid and free memberships come with the opportunity to win special prizes including autographed items and VIP access at various races. After signing up, players are required to download a special program to make the online games work.

Poker TV is partnering with the drivers to broadcast special driver tournaments, including online tournaments played with fans. Even fans who have lost in the online tournament are able to watch the conclusion of the game on Poker TV. Do you think you can call the drivers’ bluffs? Head on over to VLPclub.net to find out more and sign up today.

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