That if he's running as poorly as he did most of last season, that he should retire at the end of the year, or possibly even earlier, if they still don't have sponsorship for Reutimann for the 2nd half of the season or for next year?

I just think that Reutimann has a very good future in NASCAR (I might be biased, but I think a lot of people feel that he's a good talent and could turn into a real solid Cup driver), and it's pretty apparent that Waltrip is towards the very end of his career (again, no disrespect whatsoever, just saying). Plus, NAPA seems committed towards MWR (or maybe just Mikey, I don't know).

Anyone else agree with me? It just seems like it would be the best business decision for MWR, if they intend to try and build a race team around Reutimann and keep him there for awhile.

Waltrip could retire arter 2009? from the 2009 NASCAR Preseason Thunder Daytona Fan Fest: Saturday news conference transcripts:
Q. Do you get the same sense of excitement or anticipation when you get ready to race as you do when you go on camera to do the funny NAPA commercials with Ron Capps?
MICHAEL WALTRIP: I'm just real lucky, and I think the question earlier about would I have started my team, I'm all in. Me and Capps just finished our commercials for this year yesterday and the day before, and they're awesome. I can't wait for everyone to see them. That's fun. When I get to go on TV and talk about truck racing, the last season of that truck racing were as fun as anything I've done hanging out with Phil and Rick and Al and all the folks on Speed. I love that. But I'm a race car driver, and when I came through that tunnel a minute ago here at Daytona, it almost brought tears to my eyes. It's almost like coming home when you've had success here and you know the people that have won and the people that have lost their battles here. Just I love it. It'll be interesting.
My goal is to go win some races this year, run up front so that I don't have to say this is my last year. But if I don't do those things, if I can't compete at the level that Ruderman does or NAPA expects, then I probably won't get to do this again in 2010. This is a real important year for me because I still love it. I'm still emotional about it. That's a great feeling. I'm glad I have that. I'm glad I feel the way I do, and I'm also glad that I own my car, because if this is my last year then I'm fine, because that means I got somebody faster or better than me to drive my car in 2010, and that's how it was supposed to be. I'm not going to be standing around thinking, "well, what am I going to do now?" I know exactly what I'm going to do now, I'm going to continue to be to try to influence my drivers and my team and my sponsors to be the best team that we can ever be."(NASCAR PR)(1-18-2009)

He seems ok with it, and after 18 years of fandom, I am too. Without MWR, I'd be lost, but I have other drivers to follow now. I agree with you about Reutimann, a bright future in Nascar, and he isn't even under 30! Oh noes!!!1!

I think he should retire-hes been at it for a while-and i think he should concentrate where his real talents are-he built up a team which not everyone can do-and hes a good commentator and def has a future there (hes WAY better than Rusty lol). So yeah-put someone younger and more talented in the ride and let em rip!

I think Mikey should have retired in 01 When he won the 500 and leave on a High Note, but thats a Biased opinion being that I've never cared much for him and he seems to cause or be in a LOT of wrecks...If for nothin' else he should get out while he's still able to say I never Really got hurt racing......

And Reiutiman is a Star on the rise....

i also think he should retire. he's been going for awhle now and he's not been competitive in years. plus i just dont like him lol i think reutimann is a good driver if he can just have good equipment. i've always thought he was a little too conservative though(wouldn't bump n' run for the win several times in the busch series although he had the faster car)

I pretty much agree with what everyone has said so far.

Ashley

He should retire right now and let Scott Wimmer take over!

Seriously though, I think this should be his last year. No offense to Waltrip fans, but all he is good for is a caution flag.

I am gonna try to tip toe very carefully around this as to not cause offense to my trading buddy.

My Grandma used to say if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all.

That being said, the nicest thing I can say is....Yes, he should retire.

I agree, he should retire. Should of along time ago, but hey, he loves the sport..can't take that away from him!