If there’s one track that knows how to deliver big stories and bigger moments, it’s Talladega. That place isn’t just a superspeedway — it’s NASCAR’s high-speed playground, where legends are made, and chaos is guaranteed. And when you talk about Talladega legends, you can’t skip over Michael Waltrip. The two-time Daytona 500 champ earned his final Cup Series victory there in 2003, and it’s a track forever stitched into his story.

Now, Waltrip’s name is coming back to life in a way that’s pure, old-school NASCAR magic. No, he’s not dusting off the helmet. But one of his iconic DEI cars is hitting the track again — this time with Steve Lewis Jr. behind the wheel and SmartGrid Integrations leading the charge for an ARCA race. And honestly? It just feels right.

Michael Waltrip’s Dega magic returns in style

Michael Waltrip knows a thing or two about the tri-oval superspeedway located in Lincoln, Alabama. It’s the place where thunder roars and surprises are constant. “Talladega has always been a really special place for me,” he said. It’s where he scored his last NASCAR Cup Series win back in 2003 at the EA Sports 500. The victory capped a rollercoaster career with one unforgettable moment in the No. 15 DEI machine.

“I remember going there as a kid,” Waltrip recalled, “in awe of those hot banks.” Talladega is famous for its banking, with 33 degrees of banking in the turns, 16.5 degrees of banking in the tri-oval section, and 2 degrees of banking in the straights. During the time of construction in 1968, Talladega was advertised as having banking steeper than Daytona, with average speeds hitting over 200 miles per hour. Waltrip’s awe never faded, and it shows in how proudly he now brings his past roaring into the present.

This time around, Waltrip’s not behind the wheel, but he has a highly talented and upcoming driver piloting his iconic machine – Steve Lewis Jr. He has a strong dirt modified racing background, highlighted by finishing eighth in the DIRTcar 358-Modified Series points standings in 2021. He transitioned to the ARCA Menards Series, where he made his debut at Daytona in 2023, starting 24th and finishing an impressive 13th in his first race.

With SmartGrid Integrations Inc. and his own Michael Waltrip Brewing Co. on board, he’s lending his legacy, brand, and spirit to a new generation. “It’s about having a good time and it’s about family,” he said. “It’s about legacy.” That legacy is rolling strong this weekend. The ARCA Menards Series General Tire 200 at Talladega Superspeedway takes place on April 26.

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New wheels, old spirit: Lewis Jr. and SGI carry the banner

Steve Lewis Jr. isn’t just another driver suiting up for Talladega. He’s stepping into a legacy. “I’m absolutely pumped to be piloting one of Michael Waltrip’s classic DEI cars and representing SmartGrid Integrations Inc.,” Lewis said. For him, wheeling a classic DEI car with Waltrip’s name on the hood isn’t just cool, it’s career-defining. And it’s all happening on one of NASCAR’s most legendary tracks.

He knows what’s at stake. “This race is going to be special in so many ways,” he said. The car showed real promise in Daytona last year. Lewis was in contention till the final half-lap before a wreck. That kind of performance has them believing they’ve got something for the field this weekend. “We’ve worked hard back at the shop,” he added.

The personal connection with Talladega runs deep. SmartGrid Integrations Inc. CEO Lynn Shaneyfelt was born just 20 minutes from Talladega. Now, he sees Waltrip’s name back on a car at his home track. “We’ve got a Michael Waltrip old-school DEI car… and a JR in the seat. That combo has always worked well in Dega,” Shaneyfelt shared. Shaneyfelt is referring to Dale Earnhardt Jr., who has six wins, five second places, and several other top ten finishes at Talladega, making him the Talladega Master.

For SGI and Waltrip’s Brewing Co., this is about more than decals and press releases. “We’ve worked together to build something that goes beyond sponsorship,” Shaneyfelt said. The collaboration was born out of mutual respect and vision, not just marketing metrics. That’s why over 250 SGI team members are expected at the race.

This weekend, the goal is simple: run strong, honor tradition, and make memories. “Let’s make ‘em proud,” Lewis said. Shanneyfelt echoed his sentiment, “Shake N’ Bake, baby. Let’s ride.” See you guys at the Dega.