Learning from the Best

By Trevor Bayne

Instead of learning from behind the wheel this past weekend in Daytona, I learned from watching one of the best restrictor-plate racers in history, Michael Waltrip.
I believe he told me that he has four wins combined at Daytona and Talladega, which is incredible.
Sometimes going to the race track and not being able to drive a race car can be a little frustrating or even boring. However, this past weekend watching Michael and learning from him was actually pretty enjoyable.
For those of you who don’t know Michael on a personal level, he likes to have a good time behind the wheel of a race car. He likes to joke, but he also likes to have a car that performs well on the race track. Sometime you think he is really mad on the radio, and the next second he is cracking a joke. I think he is one of the reasons that everyone who works at Michael Waltrip Racing enjoys their job.
I spent most of my time while at the race track on top of the spotters stand. I learned a lot on how cars can work together and move quickly through the field. I also learned when not to draft and how one mistake can wreck a bunch of cars quickly.
I think one of the most important things I learned from watching Michael was how he adjusted his drafting techniques after he received a little front fender damage early in the NASCAR Nationwide race.
I know going to the race track and watching instead of driving is something that a rookie like me must do, but trust me, I would much rather be behind the wheel of a race car.
Also, some of you might already know, but I received some big news this past week. When I first signed on to drive for MWR I was only scheduled to run eight races in the No. 99 Aaron’s Dream Machine. However, I guess I caught the eyes of a few people and Aaron’s, Michael and Gary Bechtel have agreed to put me in the race car for four additional races. That brings my total up to 12.
For all of my fans I will be in the No. 99 Aaron’s Dream Machine this weekend at Chicagoland Speedway. The race starts at 8 p.m. ET and will air live on ESPN. Wish me luck!!!!!