Crew chief 'Bootie' Barker’s jump to Michael Waltrip Racing an easy choice
By Kris Johnson - Associate Editor
Friday, October 03, 2008
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TALLADEGA, Ala. - Bootie Barker said Friday at Talladega Superspeedway that his decision to join Michael Waltrip Racing wasn’t difficult.
Barker will serve as crew chief for owner/driver Michael Waltrip’s No. 55 Toyota team beginning in 2009.
With Stewart-Haas Racing absorbing Haas-CNC Racing at season’s end, Barker was in limbo regarding his situation for next year. Asked if there were any discussions regarding a continued role with the organization prior to his signing with MWR, Barker said, “They hadn’t let me know anything at the time. No, they hadn’t. So, I didn’t know what their official plans were.”
Barker now finds himself acting in a lame-duck role, as he’ll continue to serve as crew chief for Haas-CNC Racing’s Scott Riggs for the rest of the 2008 season.
“I don’t care, regardless of who I’m with or whatever, I’m gonna try to do the best I can,” Barker said. "I’m a competitor, and I don’t come anywhere to lose. You’re gonna do your best regardless of those situations, but at night when you lay down to sleep, it’s better to have a job.”
Aside from securing employment for next season, Barker said he is excited about the potential of moving forward with MWR.
“Michael and I have always gotten along. Their team as whole … has really taken a turn running very competitive. … The whole program, you can see it’s on the way up,” said Barker, who would not divulge the length of his new contract. “So, I’m very happy about Michael’s faith in me from a driver’s standpoint [and] from an owner’s standpoint of what he’s got going on over there.”
- Mentioned Drivers:
- Michael Waltrip
Comments
7 responses to "Crew chief 'Bootie' Barker’s jump to Michael Waltrip Racing an easy choice "
Debbie Kelter said:
Oct 3, 2008 at 5:37 PMI was so pleased to here Bootie was joining Michael. I absolutely think they are super great guys. Together they will go far. Bootie is so smart and easy going and Micheal is so into the sport. I wish them the best of luck together.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportTeema H. said:
Oct 3, 2008 at 6:08 PMI am really looking forward to next year for MWR.....This should be a dynamite team with Bootie CC'ing!!
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» Confirm Abuse ReportCarol Hohman said:
Oct 3, 2008 at 6:13 PMsay it isn's so Bootie not happy with this at all can't be for mwr at all Chevy Ford or Dodge for me period!!!!!!!!!!!
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» Confirm Abuse Reportgwen thompson said:
Oct 4, 2008 at 7:11 AMBootie is a great engineer. He will bring his ideas to Micheal Walrips team. Thanks Micheal for bringing Bootie on board. I agree with you Teema H. DYNAMITE team.(combo)
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» Confirm Abuse ReportCarol said:
Oct 4, 2008 at 1:24 PMSounds like Ole Bootie was going to get the boot. This might - could - should - be a win/win thing both for Bootie and Mikey. Good luck to them both; I have high hopes!!
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» Confirm Abuse ReportPat Draper said:
Oct 5, 2008 at 7:34 AMSounds like a winning team to me. I would think Mikie would be a great guy to work with or for. Mikie seems well liked among those in the garage except for Clint Bowyer who by the way owe's Mikie a Big I'm Sorry for his comment about Mikie being the worst driver he has ever known. Clint old buddy your not doing so well so don't call the pot black in less you can make it white again. Back to Bootie I was so glad when i heard he was going with MWR. I know with all of his experience he will be a great asset to them. Way to go mikie and bootie
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» Confirm Abuse ReportPat Draper said:
Oct 5, 2008 at 7:36 AMP.S. By the way congrats on your engagement Bootie all the best to you both.
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