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CHAMPION CAR OWNER PROFILE: Michael Waltrip Racing

The 2009 NASCAR Camping World Series East championship season for Ryan Truex was truly a collective effort behind the scenes.

With investor Rob Kaufmann listed as the car owner, the No. 00 NAPA Toyota came out of the Michael Waltrip Racing stable with cars and engines initially provided by Martin Truex Sr.

With a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series organization to field the car, and with a crew chief experienced in developing young talent like Mike Greci, Ryan Truex was able to record eight top 10s in 11 races in 2009.

The owner of the organization, Sprint Cup Series driver Michael Waltrip, was one of the numerous positive influences that Ryan had in his rookie campaign.

“He’s always walking around the shop, so I talk to him there,” Truex said. “He supports me a lot and helps me out. It’s just a great place to drive for.”

Ryan’s success in 2009 earned MWR its first NASCAR championship.