hose who know Darrell Waltrip also know that the three-time NASCAR Winston Cup Series champion can't be happy with the way his car has finished over the past year.

Waltrip is as fast as he is proud, but the Western Auto's Parts America Chevrolet left him with little to crow about in 1996. Some critics were quick to claim that last season's slide is a sign that Waltrip is headed toward life as nothing more than a car owner. But ol' "DW" as he is affectionately known, is the only person who will make that decision.

And, surprise to no one, he's not ready to make that call just yet. He underscored that point with an impressive run in the second-to-last event of the season -- the Dura-Lube 500 at Phoenix International Raceway -- where he finished a very competitive 10th after a solid qualifying effort put him in the 18th spot on the grid.

Still, 29th place on the final standings list is unfamiliar and uncomfortable territory for Waltrip. Four top-10 qualifying efforts demonstrated that when the machinery is right, there are few better men to make it run.

At Phoenix, and before that when he finished ninth in a grueling DieHard 500 in July, he showed the form that has made him one of the sport's legends. Waltrip truly believes that the elusive qualities that made him a champion are just waiting to be tapped once more.

And there is the stated goal of another title before he retires to deal with. On any given day, Waltrip can be as fast as the front-runners who have established themselves as the sport's future. And he's likely smarter than most all of them put together.

What will it mean for 1997? Waltrip has a pretty good idea, but just like a cardshark, he's not ready just yet to let us know what he has up his sleeve.

Began racing career in go karts in 1959 at age 12; moved to Late Model Sportsman division at local Tennessee short track.

Three-time NASCAR Winston Cup champion while driving for Junior Johnson.

Winner of inaugural running of The Winston in 1985 at Charlotte Motor Speedway when engine blew just after checkered flag.

Became team owner as well as driver in 1991, two years after winning 1989 Daytona 500 in his 17th try.

Has won more than $14.4 million in his storied career and has 84 career victories.

After finishing ninth in 1994 point standings, fell to 19th in 1995 points.

Earned invitation to Busch Clash by winning pole in final race of 1995 season at Atlanta, the 59th pole of his career.