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November 19, 2007
Michael Waltrip on the Walnutz
Michael Waltrip was interviewed for an email newsletter in relation to the Chex Most Popular Driver award and in response to a question about the most unique fan he's ever met he said,
"I wouldn't necessarily say there has been one particular fan that is unique. However, I am very fortunate to have a very unique and cherished fan following called "Walnutz". At almost every race weekend, I am presented with a special notebook filled with messages and well wishes from members of the Walnutz. As a matter of fact, at Talladega while I was at my souvenir rig, they presented me with a birthday plaque. They are wonderful people. I appreciate their support and friendship. They turn up at a lot of events and appearances I attend, so I look forward to seeing them any chance I get. I am very lucky to have them as fans. I love the Walnutz. They are special and unique to me. "
Although I've never been one for associating myself with groups of fans that name themselves in the past, I most definitely consider myself one of the Walnutz and I agree completely with Michael that they are a most wonderful, special, unique, and I would add devoted group of fans! For those that don't know any fan of Michael's can be considered a member of the Walnutz, but the name started on the fan forum on Michael's official website and it's most closely identified with the fans who are members there. As Michael mentioned, every race weekend, one of the Walnutz who is attending the race gathers supportive and encouraging messages from other Walnutz to take to Michael, along with cover sheets that are designed by one of our very creative Walnutz, Cathy (whose cover sheets are no doubt as much of a hit with Michael and those around him as the messages due to how humorous and well-done they are). Some race weekends there's 30-40 messages or more! If there isn't anyone going to the race that weekend, which is rare, the messages are mailed to Michael at Raceworld. In addition throughout the year there are other projects such as "101 Reasons Why the Walnutz Love Their Head Nut" and a yearly holiday gift for Michael. In addition, the Walnutz are very caring, not only about each other and about Michael, but also about others - over the past two years the Walnutz raised $9,000 for The Waltrip Challenge, which benefits The Fisher Center Foundation that funds research to combat Alzheimer's. Through thick and thin, no matter how bad things got this season, the Walnutz stood by Michael, supported him and believed in him, and we'll continue to do that.
Reading what Michael said about the Walnutz really makes me smile. He's made a variety of comments previously about how much he likes the messages and how he loves the Walnutz, but almost always those comments have come in response to a comment or question from one of us so I think some have wondered whether he's sincere or not. That Michael made these comments on his own should clear up any of those doubts. There's no question that he truly values the Walnutz. I think what's really incredible to me is that he didn't just mention the Walnutz in passing but talked at length about how important we are to him. There's other drivers who mention specific groups of their fans to show appreciation such as Carl Edwards with the Edheads or Steve Park with the Sparkies, but I can't recall another driver saying this much in an interview (or at a hospitality appearance like Michael did over the summer when one of the Walnutz asked him a question) about a group of fans the way Michael did. We, the Walnutz mean a lot to Michael, and he means a lot to us.
There's a lot of people who can't understand why anyone would be a fan of Michael's and doubt that he has many fans (far from the truth). But the way that Michael treats his fans is second to none. Of course every fans thinks that about their favorite driver, and there's no doubt that there are more than a few drivers who are extremely fan-friendly and great with the fans. But there's something really special about the way Michael is with his fans, which includes that he showed his appreciation for the Walnutz with his comments in this interview. Michael has a very unique bond with his fans and it's created a very loyal and devoted fanbase who have been willing to stick by him no matter how bad things got this season. Michael's not only a great driver but he's a great person too!
Posted by silverdsl at November 19, 2007 02:22 PM