Michael Waltrip is an American former professional race car driver, racing commentator, team owner, amateur ballerina, and published author.
With a career spanning over 30 years, he has made a significant impact in racing and beyond.
File
- Full Name: Michael Curtis Waltrip
- Date of birth: April 30, 1963
- Age: 61 years old
- Gender: Male
- Place of birth: Owensboro, Kentucky
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: Racing driver, commentator, team owner, author
- Height: 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
- Parents: Leroy and Margaret Waltrip
- Siblings: Darrell Waltrip, Bobby Waltrip
- Spouse: Elizabeth “Buffy” Franks (married 1993-2010)
- Children: Margaret Carol, Caitlin Marie
- Relationship status: Divorced
- Net worth: $40 million
Early life and education
Michael Waltrip is 61 years old and was born on April 30, 1963 in Owensboro, Kentucky. He grew up with his siblings, Darell and Bobby Waltrip.
Michael’s parents, Leroy and Margaret Waltrip, supported his passion for racing and he began participating in local races as a teenager.
He attended the University of Kentucky and then moved to North Carolina to pursue a racing career.
Personal life
Both joy and challenge have marked Michael Waltrip’s personal life. He married Elizabeth “Buffy” Franks in 1993 and together they have two daughters, Margaret Carol and Caitlin Marie.
The couple divorced in 2010 after 17 years of marriage. Michael has been open about his struggles with depression and has used his platform to raise awareness about mental health.
Career
Michael Waltrip’s racing career spanned three decades and included numerous victories and awards.
He won the Daytona 500 twice (2001 and 2003) and competed in the NASCAR Cup Series, among other notable accomplishments.
After retiring, he became an analyst for FOX NASCAR and started owning a racing team.
In addition, Michael has competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and Rolex 24 and tried his hand at ballroom dancing, reaching the seventh round in “Dancing with the stars” in 2014.
Prize
- 2-time Daytona 500 champion (2001, 2003)
- NASCAR Cup Series driver and team owner
- Advance to the seventh round of “Dancing with the Stars” (2014)
Net worth
Michael Waltrip’s net worth is estimated at over $40 million, earned through a successful racing career, commentary work, and business ventures.
Social media
- Instagram: @michaelwaltrip
- Twitter: @mw55
Book
- Blink (2011)
