NASCAR star Michael Waltrip tries comedy; Henry Cho, Jon Reep show support

By Carrie Andersen | January 7, 2011 at 11:03 am | One comment | News | Tags: jon reep, Michael Waltrip, nasacar, positive k, stand-up

Michael Waltrip Move over, Positive K: a new stand-up comedian who’s not a stand-up comedian is joining the circuit.

Michael Waltrip, a two-time Daytona 500 winner, will be debuting a stand-up comedy act in Kansas City, Missouri, later this month. Now, at first, it’s hard to see the similarities between NASCAR and stand-up comedy, but Waltrip’s switch isn’t completely off the wall.

Both hold the possibility of crashing and burning, for example. Even if one involves a greater likelihood of death.

“This is something totally different from what I am used to,” Waltrip told SpeedTV. “In a race car I am in my element and I’m comfortable. When you give me a microphone and tell me I have to stand up in front of a lot of people and be funny on purpose, that makes me nervous. I’m funny accidentally. The definition of stand-up comedy is being funny on purpose. It’s a great challenge and something that is a lot of fun. The people that do it for a living sure have my respect. I hope everyone will come out and give us a chance to entertain them.”

Michael Waltrip’s Comedy Garage debuts Jan. 21 at the Ameristar Casino in Kansas City, Mo., and will move to Ontario, Canada and Las Vegas.

So, this week, a rapper and a NASCAR driver have both decided to try their hand at stand-up comedy. Who’s next? A five-star chef? A former congressional candidate and witch?

About the Author

Carrie Andersen

In addition to writing for Laughspin, Carrie is a graduate student in Austin, Texas, where she researches popular culture, new media, music, and social movements. When not reading or writing in any official capacity, she spends her time playing the drums, watching crappy TV, and eating copious amounts of tacos and barbecue. She also blogs sporadically at carrieandersen.com.

Scotty-FM

I am a NASCAR geek, who has watched Waltrip’s progression into comedy. First he was on a weekly NASCAR talk show, and he cracked some funny wisecracks, and one liners… Then He was cast as a regular commentator during the NASCAR truck racing. He really brings a good vib to the races; Then NASCAR allowed SPEED channel to set up a talent show last year, that went to various race tracks, Mike Hosted on stage.. and was a bit more scripted, almost Donny Osmondy. But Mikey was funny at the race track and on his NASCAR Now appearances especially getting diggs on his favorite diver 18 Kyle Busch… Guy is funny. If he was appearing closer, I would pay to see him riffing live anytime atall. (wow I AM a NASCAR Geek) Mike’s Older Brother Darrel is quite a personality as well. Hope he doesnt Crash like he did off Kyle at Talladega last summer!