The Department of Justice added a new batch of documents to the infamous Epstein files on January 30. Surprisingly, NASCAR icon Michael Waltrip’s name surfaced amid the ongoing controversy.
Jeffrey Epstein, charged with human trafficking involving minors, was arrested back in 2019. He was found dead a few months later in his cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Facility in New York City.
In the latest set of documents, it was revealed how friendly Epstein was with former NASCAR Cup Series driver Brian Vickers. Vickers allegedly sent an email to Epstein on February 14, 2019, where he referred to Epstein as “Buddy” and wished him a happy Valentine’s Day.
And now Michael Waltrip is in the conversation as well. There is a portion of the email that mentions him and reads:
“The general manager of MWR (Michael Waltrip Racing) called (blurred) to ask about it. Someone sent them an email with links to some articles about me, the one with me and Prince Andrew. I was on the call as well… I may have misunderstood, but it sounded like he said there was an article on Gawker that talked about (blurred) dating me and referencing that story.”
The text continues:
“We then called the 2 owners of MWR, Rob Kauffman and Michael Waltrip, to discuss with them and answer any questions they may have. They are good with it on a personal level, but said they have to keep the best interest of the team in mind.”
All files were originally submitted under the Epstein Files Transparency Act and contain several emails and records collected during major Jeffrey Epstein investigations. Waltrip’s name coming up doesn’t do any harm to the Michael Waltrip Racing or Waltrip himself, but it does bring NASCAR under the scanner.
Michael Waltrip Weighs In on NASCAR’s New “Chase” Championship Format
NASCAR is expected to implement the previously used “Chase” championship format for the 2026 season. Michael Waltrip is happy about that. He believes NASCAR has finally got it right.
Waltrip was never a fan of the elimination-style playoffs or a one-race championship. Now, there will be 10 races to decide who deserves the ultimate honor, and that too, based on regular-season points.
“I want to tell you they got it right. It’s a great balance between consistency, winning,” Michael Waltrip said on X. “DNFs matter, everything matters. They got it all right.”
“We should be as NASCAR fans thrilled that we are gonna get to see how this 2026 championships across all three series play out,” he added.
All eyes are now on the season-opening Daytona 500, which is scheduled for February 15, 2026. Fans can watch the crown jewel event live on FOX, starting at 2:30 pm ET, or listen to exclusive radio updates on MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
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