Michael Waltrip and NAPA Auto Parts are getting together for the 53rd annual Daytona 500 on February 20, 2011. Waltrip will pilot the No. 15 MWR Toyota in his 25th consecutive "Great American Race."

Waltrip won the 2001 Daytona 500, an unforgettable race that claimed the life of Waltrip's car-owner Dale Earnhardt.

"Ten years ago I won the 500 in my first race with NAPA and we know February 18, 2001 is a day that NASCAR fans will never forget," Waltrip said. "What looked to be a storybook ending turned to tragedy seconds later.  To mark the 10th anniversary of that race and my 25th consecutive 500 will be quite emotional for me and fans alike."

The No. 15 NAPA Toyota will carry a special paint scheme for the 2011 Daytona 500.

"Hard to believe 10 years have passed since that fateful day in 2001 when we celebrated Michael's Daytona 500 win and unfortunately mourned the loss of our friend, Dale Earnhardt," commented Bob Susor, NAPA President. "We could not think of a better way to honor our friend, Dale as well as mark this milestone in Michael's career than to bring the NAPA No. 15 back to the Daytona 500 with a special paint scheme. We are hopeful fans, family and friends enjoy the tribute to both Michael and Dale."

Waltrip's new book, "In the Blink of an Eye" is scheduled to hit bookstore shelves on February 1.

"I've spent much of last year writing the book," said Michael Waltrip. "It forced me to put into words a lot of emotions from that weekend and how we and the whole NASCAR world dealt with the loss of Dale. When I got my first copy the other day I told people that I felt like I had given birth. The book has become a part of me and I know fans are going to love it."

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