Sunday, April 6, 2008

McFlippin

Wow! What a day? I can always count on Michael for some excitement. Thank God for all the safety that goes into this sport. We were very blessed that he was able to walk away from that one. As his wife, everyone is always asking me if I get nervous when he goes out on the track, and my answer has always been no. I guess I will rethink that now. He has never given me anything to worry about before. I have seen him have a few minor wrecks before but nothing like the one that happened on Friday afternoon. I was watching qualifying from pit lane on the jumbo-tron with his PR representative, Jennifer. When I saw him complete his first lap, I thought he was done and started walking towards the hauler, but much to my surprise he continued on and that's when I looked back up as he was just hitting the wall. My stomach dropped, then he started the barrel rolls and my heart just stopped. This was the kind of crash that you see on Speed channel as they are talking about what a great driver he "was". Luckily Jennifer was with me and she got me right over to the medical center. They informed me that he was okay right away. What an amazing blessing! He just has a few bumps and bruises and is doing great. He is ready to go for the race today and I can't wait to watch him get back out there and make his fans proud. Not without a kiss and a good hug before he gets in the car though. Thank you all for the support and caring thoughts. We are greatfull to have such a wonderful group of fans following his career. Watch today as he will be fighting his way through the field in the #00.

22 comments:

Unknown said...

James,

I can't believe you were on the phone to me as fast as you were! It seemed like the car hadn't even stopped yet and you were telling me he is ok! I am very proud you had the composure you did because I was a basket case!

I answer that same question you talked about the same way as you, Michael has been doing this so long and he is so good at what he does we just take it for granted everything is always going to be ok! What a wake up call, I can't remember ever being that scared before!

I am so thankful he has Tracy riding along with him to protect him!

I am so greatful to the entire Earnhart family, their loss, saved our Michaels life!

Michael be safe have a great race,I love you!

romster said...

Thanks for the post Jami. It's cool to hear your side of things. I hope your nerves don't get a work out like that anytime soon.

Here's to a great race today...cheers!

Anonymous said...

Wow, Michael, you flipped us all out even though it was YOU who was doing the flipping! I thank God you walked away from that nightmare and I'm sure you thank your Guardian Angel who was surely with you.
I've had a tough time with NASCAR (watching) in general since Dale's death but due to his early and heart breaking demise, we now have the HANS UNIT.......Please NEVER DRIVE without it. Even my grandson who races motocross wears a Leatt Brace....designed much like the HANS for the bike riders.
STAY SAFE BUDDY........we're all there with your family watching and rooting. Apologies for my rooting being just a bit louder for Jr!

Anonymous said...

Good safe ride today Michael! texas must be a really tuff track. PIR is good stomping grounds for you! See you in Talladega!
Carol and Kurtis Lehr

Anonymous said...

Michael, glad to hear you are okay. I had an opportunity to meet you last year at an autograph session at Talladega and the boys and I have been pulling for you ever since. God bless!

BK

Unknown said...

You guys both did a wonderful job this morning on the Today Show!

For anyone that didn't see it here is the link!

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/23990776#23990776

Anonymous said...

Jami
My heart goes out to you. You are my hero for being so brave and keeping your cool!
I am glad that you and Michael are doing great.
Your interview with the today show was wonderful!
See you soon.
Carol

Grammcd said...

You both looked great on the Today Show. Was proud to watch you finish the race Sunday. Takes guts to get back in there. Can't wait to see here. Love you!

Kris Horne said...

How awesome for the kids to have this great opportunity! I agree with Bill. They looked like pros this morning. I just got word they're going to do the Ellen Show Tues. don't know when it will air but, I'll keep you all posted. Safety first, thank God for that!!! Now, they can shine!!!

Unknown said...

You created a completely new meaning to

"Aarons Lucky Dog"

The Event Essentials said...

Great post Jami!! Both you and Michael are always in our thoughts and prayers. Even though Billy only races as a hobby, my stomach sinks when he spins on the track. So my thoughts have been with you and glad to hear this from your prospective! God Bless!

napagirl said...

Michael & Jami,

What a crazy first couple of weeks you've had. Take it all in, keep your eyes open to the opportunities and enjoy this time. Michael is a talented driver who arrives at an interesting time in this sport. More than anything else, I am thankful you are unhurt and unfazed. MWR needs a fearless, well spoken driver and you've managed to capture the attention of America. MWR fans planned all along to love you unconditionally because you drive for us but you continue to give us reason to keep one eye on the 00 at all times.
God Bless both of you and may the drama you've experienced this weekend fade to a learning experience that will lead you to Rookie of the Year honors.

Stay safe!

Greg said...

McD.
You gave us all a scare. I know your mom was watching over you.

God bless you man!

GF at PIR

Joanne McDowell said...

Michael,
I'm soooooo glad I knew you were OK and I got to talk to you BEFORE I ever saw the crash on the news! It's a miracle you survived a crash like that. I had to keep turning my head away when I first saw it on TV. Thank God your fine. I'm sure your Mom was watching over you. I am so thankful to Nascar for adding so many new safety features that made it possible for you to walk away...but no more testing them out!! You are a real pro with the press and you and Jami looked great on the Today show. Now for week #3.....you have everyones attention so you might as well just go ahead and win! Can't wait to see you. Good luck at PIR and please stay safe!!!!
Love you!

Anonymous said...

Watched that wreck on Tv during qualifying, and to see you climb out and wave was a class act, and thank God for all the safety equipment. You have done a great job on all the talk shows, your time will come on the track, just hang in there and drive smart, and don't let the old timers push ya around, they were all rookies at one time, and thank DR for getting you up in that top 35, and your doing a great job keeping it there.

motoroney said...

I was watching qualifying on Friday when you hit the wall, and the car came to rest all I could think was the worst. The fire crew was right there putting out the flames, and out you came out of the smoke like driver introductions at the all-star race waving and walking to the ambulance.
It was really scary but at the same time it was really cool to see you come out with out a scratch.
Now you are all every one is talking about. It’s a shame that it took something like this to get you world wide notoriety but as long as you have it make the best of it, and for some reason knowing you as I have come to know you I can see it all working out really well. As it should because you are very talented and you have a great personality you are going to be one of the great ones.

Grammcd said...

Michael seeing you on all the TV shows has helped me to know that you are ok but I won't feel better until I can touch you and hug you for myself. Wish I could have been there for you when you truly needed your family. Can't wait to see you. Love you!

JOSH CCV SCOTTSDALE AZ said...

Michael:
Hey Bro--- Just another reminder to you bro.
The only caution I would give to a believer who is playing sports is to not allow sports to become an idol (1 John 5:21). Never allow sports to become more important to you than your relationship with God.
If a Christian athlete is really praying and seeking a way to share Christ with others God will provide ample opportunities.
It could be sharing Jesus or praying with teammates.
It could be praising God in an interview.
It could even be witnessing to fans.
Basically it all boils down to this:
Whatever you do, whatever sport you play; do it for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Love you and Pray for Your safey.

Drew said...

Michael...I along with everyone else have been awed by your new found fame. I'm extremely excited about your future but even more excited about the present. Blue Cross called me and told me that they were happy that they didn't have to pay out a claim on you...and it helps my loss ratio too. Ha...Thank Heavens for the safety equipment!!! All my best this weekend at PIR-look forward to catching up on Sunday. Peace out.

Drew said...

BTW, has anyone seen the new McFlippn' shirts? They will be available soon on Mike's website.

Anonymous said...

Hey Michael' Good luck this weekend, have a fast safe race at PIR.I want to thank you and Jamie for taking the time out to come to Pullano's for the fan meet and greet night. I hope you guys enjoyed yourself even though you had to be exhausted from the very busy week. Bonnie, I and your fans (200+) really enjoyed the night, I have heard many great comments about the evening. I know your Grandma was very happy to see and hug you.
I did my best to try and get a good McDowell fan crowed out to come watch the race Saturday night in a home town place. I heard many comments that it was a shame TV 3 sent out an incompetent news crew, this is not a first for TV 3 with us. Like my buddy said at least you there, and I agree! It's just a shame your fans that saw it don't know where "there" was. After four days my Italian blood is finally coming to a simmer...Be safe.

Anonymous said...

I as a Michael Waltrip Fan Club Member want to Say Hello and WELCOME To Our Family.
Wishing you and yours all the Best.