Waltrip embraces his old Kentucky home team

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SPARTA, KY - JUNE 28: The University of Kentucky Wildcats mascot unveils a new University of Kentucky paint scheme for the #55 car at Kentucky Speedway on June 28, 2012 in Sparta, Kentucky. (Photo by Tyler Barrick/Getty Images for NASCAR)

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Posted: 06/28/2012

By: By RUSTY MILLER AP Sports Writer

SPARTA, Ky. - Even as he traveled the world racing cars, Michael Waltrip always had a soft spot for his old Kentucky home.

On Thursday, the two-time Daytona 500 winner unveiled a car honoring his favorite college team.

Waltrip was at Kentucky Speedway, site of this week's NASCAR races, to unveil a new paint motif on the Michael Waltrip Racing No. 55 Toyota that pays homage to the University of Kentucky national champion basketball team.

UK's mascot and athletic director Mitch Barnhart were on hand as a black cover was pulled off the blue-and-white car to reveal several national championship logos. Like at a movie premiere, dozens of photographers snapped photos.

No Big Blue players were around, largely because six were expected to be taken Thursday night in the NBA draft.

Waltrip is driving the car this week. She shares the ride of Mark Martin and Brian Vickers.

At Talladega, MWR driver Clint Bowyer's car featured a University of Alabama national football championship paint scheme.