Michael Waltrip, driver of the #55 NAPA Toyota, is overcome with emotion during a press conference responding to fines and points deductions at Daytona International Speedway today. (Matthew Stockman / Getty Images)
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Two-time Daytona 500 winner Michael Waltrip said he came "real close" to withdrawing from Thursday's Gatorade Duel 150-mile qualifying races that set the field for the Daytona 500.
But a day after his team, Michael Waltrip Racing, was slapped with historic fines and suspensions for rules violations stemming from a post-qualifying inspection last Sunday that revealed an illegal silicone-like substance in the engine, Waltrip and his two teammates successfully made the starting field for Sunday's race.
"I'm probably the most depressed guy you've ever seen make the Daytona 500," Waltrip said.
Waltrip overcame numerous issues to compete in the first of the two qualifying races -- he used teammate David Ruetimann's backup car, had to compete having not practiced, and started last.
Tony Stewart, who seems to have enormous momentum heading into Sunday's race, won the first Duel 150. He also won the Bud Shootout last Saturday.
"We had a textbook day today, really," Stewart said. "I hope we've got one more (win) in us."
Three-time Daytona winner Jeff Gordon won the second Duel 150, although his car failed inspection. He will start 42nd in Sunday's race.
Waltrip, though, has had a trying start to the NASCAR season.
A major part of Toyota's entrance in Nextel Cup racing with three Camrys entered for Michael Waltrip Racing, Waltrip has been consumed by the controversy.
Crew chief David Hyder and competition director Bobby Kennedy, both of whom were escorted out of Daytona International Speedway on Wednesday, have been suspended indefinitely by NASCAR. Hyder was fined $100,000, the largest monetary penalty in NASCAR history.
No one has accepted blame for the incident, Waltrip said.
"I just know (Toyota officials) are disappointed because this was supposed to be a time of celebration and be proud of what we accomplished," Waltrip said. "I certainly wish it was, and now it's turned the other way.
"I just hope people understand and separate Michael Waltrip Racing from Toyota in this instance because their integrity and the way they go about things is totally opposite of the position I've put them in."
During a news conference Thursday morning, Waltrip said he was heartbroken this week when his 9-year-old daughter, Macy, asked her mother, Buffy, "why daddy cheated the rules."
"That'll hurt you pretty bad," Waltrip said.
He said he received encouragement from Toyota officials, NASCAR president Mike Helton and his wife, Buffy. They all convinced him to race in the Duels.
"I just felt like there would be a cloud over whatever I accomplished because of what had happened," Waltrip said. "Ever since Sunday, my world's been a mess."
Waltrip said the thought crossed his mind that NASCAR might ask him to leave.
"There was talk of it, and I understood," he said. "Whatever they said, I would accept. It was just a terrible mistake. I don't need to cheat to get into this race. I'm just embarrassed for my organization. I know there's not that many Michael Waltrip fans, but I feel sorry for them for people yelling at them."
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Waltrip's ride
Michael Waltrip's qualifying race was not without some excitement.
Waltrip tried to find room between Tony Stewart, who was leading, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. in the backstretch of lap 17. Waltrip misjudged the space, and as he tried to squeeze into second and nudged Earnhardt, who spun.
That forced the second caution of the race. Earnhardt overcame the incident and finished second.
"Sometimes people get real tight coming up off that corner," Earnhardt said. "It is a bad place to lose a nose, and it happens a lot. I suspect that is the case. I don't think Michael would do anything like that intentionally to anybody."
Waltrip said it was a mistake.
"I went down low and then around the top," Waltrip said. "At first I thought I could get in between them, then I changed my mind, but between the time I changed my mind and turning the steering wheel, it didn't keep me from running into him."
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