In the Blink of an Eye

'In the Blink of an Eye' is Michael Waltrip's recently released autobiographical book. I starting reading it two days ago and couldn't put it down until I finished it last night. The story moves quickly from his early years in Owensboro, Kentucky to his eventual successes in NASCAR's highest levels. You will want to read this before the 2011 Daytona 500 where Waltrip will once again race in the NAPA #15 on the 10th anniversary of the death of Dale Earnhardt in that race.

This is more than a recounting of the events in Waltrip's life. In the Blink of an Eye is the story of faith in his life. Waltrip doesn't tell us details of how faith came to him or what led to his strong faith. But we can see how his faith helped him face the difficulties in his life including the death of his father, his long winless years in NASCAR, the death of his mentor, Dale Earnhardt, and the break-up of his marriage.

Michael Waltrip and his brother Darrell are both big names in NASCAR. However, we have had very little insight into their complicated relationship. Waltrip makes us read between the lines to see exactly how their brother-brother relationship has developed.

In the Blink of an Eye is almost as much about Dale Earnhardt as it is about Waltrip. Earnhardt was both a friend and a hero to Waltrip. Waltrip was just beginning to fulfill his lifelong dream of driving for Earnhardt's racing team when Earnhardt was killed.

Waltrip carries guilt from many of the events in his life including the death of Earnhardt. He uses his faith to process these events and come to grips with the events.

I recommend this enjoyable book. It will give you insight into the world of NASCAR as well as the Waltrip family. Michael's humor is evident throughout the story and you will feel like you are listening to him talk on Inside NASCAR.