Countdown to Daytona: Owner Point Style No. 26 (David Reutimann)

Welcome to Day 10 of the 35-part series around the cars guaranteed a spot in the Daytona 500 next month. (You're not tired of these yet are you? Only 25 more to go!)

Today I take a look at one of the sport's up-and-coming drivers.

David Reutimann began 2008 in the No. 00 before switching over to the No. 44 when Dale Jarrett retired after five races.

He has definitely been the bright spot in an otherwise bleak two seasons of Waltrip Racing.

Reutimann has proved he can run with the big boys some weeks. Other weeks he looks like a typical bottom-feeder against the world’s greatest drivers.

One problem this team has had is finding sponsors to put on the hood.

Heading into 2009, Reutimann’s car will feature Aaron’s Sales and Lease, but only for a reported 10-13 races.

Sponsor UPS shipped out to Jack Roush’s No. 6 car next year.

Here is a look at Reutimann’s team:

Today’s Spotlight: No. 00

Team: Michael Waltrip Racing

Driver: David Reutimann

Sponsor: Aaron’s (10-13 races). For a look at paint schemes visit Jayski.com.

Driver 2008 Stats: Reutimann finished 2008 22nd in the championship standings. He earned more than $3.3 million with four top-10 finishes and an average finishing position of 23rd.

In the Nationwide Series, Reutimann finished seventh in the points with 15 top-10 finishes and eight top-fives.

News: Rodney Childers (former No. 19 GEM crew chief) takes over the top role for the No. 00 team in 2009. Childers brings a lot of experience to the table and should prove to be valuable in helping Reutimann grow as a contender.

As I said two days ago in the preview of Michael Waltrip, Steve Hallam—an engineer and manager with more than 27 years experience in F1—was brought on board to be the new director of competition.

"It would have been easy to stay at McLaren until I retired," Hallam said. "But what attracted me to Michael Waltrip Racing was the opportunity to work with a young team and, in particular, to be part of the continued development and growth of the multi-car Cup operation as they strive to provide the best equipment and support for their teams. This is a great opportunity to join a closely knit team who are looking to build success by harnessing Toyota engines and technical support to build cars at a level where we can improve upon the tremendous foundation that has already been built." (MWR PR)

The addition should help Waltrip’s team tremendously.

My prediction for 2009: Reutimann should fare well in 2009. He has proved to be a contender at times but lacks the consistency each week.

I figure he’ll probably finish around the same spot as 2008, between 22nd and 28th.

Will this team remain in top 35: Barring any unforeseen circumstances, this team will have no problem keeping themselves a guaranteed spot each weekend.

Up Tomorrow: No. 42 Juan Pablo Montoya

This story also appears on my blog: Sports 101

Reminder: Only 26 days until the Budweiser Shootout!

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