Controversy at the Daytona 500 is already starting to heat up as Michael Waltrip's team was accused of using an illegal substance, potentially jet fuel, in an attempt to boost the cars performance. The news was reported to The Associated Press on Wednesday by a person with knowledge of the NASCAR investigation who requested to remain anonymous.
NASCAR seized the part from Waltrip’s new Toyota Camry and shipped it back to North Carolina for analysis. The illegal substance was found inside the intake manifold before qualifying for the Daytona 500 on Sunday. The manifold is a part of the engine that supplies the fuel/air mix to the engine cylinders. The team is being accused of coating the inside of the manifold with an illegal substance (potentially jet fuel). Bet on Dale Earnhardt Jr. at 9 to 1 odds (bet $10 to win $90) to win the Daytona 500 at VIPsports.com
Waltrip’s crew chief David Hyder and team director Bobby Kennedy have already been suspended indefinitely from the Daytona 500 but an investigation is ongoing and NASCAR is considering further penalties. Waltrip's team maintains the substance was oil. Results should be forthcoming soon.
Michael Waltrip is a two-time Daytona 500 champion and recently started his own three-car team with Japanese automaker Toyota to compete this season. The Camry’s have struggled with speed since testing in January and Waltrip has yet to qualify for a starting spot in the field for Sunday's season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway.
2007 Daytona 500 betting odds sponsored by VIPsports.com
Jimmie Johnson — 5 to 1
Dale Earnhardt Jr. — 9 to 1
Tony Stewart — 4 to 1
Jeff Gordon — 15 to 2
Kevin Harvick — 10 to 1
Matt Kenseth — 13 to 2
Carl Edwards — 18 to 1
Kyle Busch — 20 to 1
Kurt Busch — 20 to 1
Jeff Burton — 25 to 1
Casey Mears — 33 to 1
Denny Hamlin — 12 to 1
Ryan Newman — 40 to 1
Martin Truex Jr — 45 to 1
Greg Biffle — 18 to 1
Mark Martin — 50 to 1
Jamie McMurray — 65 to 1
Brian Vickers — 40 to 1
Clint Bowyer — 40 to 1
Kasey Kahne — 18 to 1
Scott Riggs — 60 to 1
Paul Menard — 75 to 1
Dale Jarrett — 75 to 1
Elliott Sadler — 55 to 1
Reed Sorenson — 65 to 1
Bobby Labonte — 80 to 1
Juan Montoya — 45 to 1
J.J. Yeley — 60 to 1
Robby Gordon — 100 to 1
Joe Nemechek — 100 to 1
Field — 30 to 1
