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Michael Waltrip to honor national champs with a new paint job

Quicken Loans 400

BROOKLYN, MI - JUNE 17: Team owner Michael Waltrip stands on the grid during pre-race ceremonies for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Quicken Loans 400 at Michigan International Speedway on June 17, 2012 in Brooklyn, Michigan. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Getty Images for NASCAR

For some the most famous race car driver to be associated with Kentucky basketball is Dario Franchitti, and the reason for that is his marriage to actress (and huge UK fan) Ashley Judd.

But NASCAR driver Michael Waltrip, a native of the Bluegrass State, is a diehard Wildcat fan who will honor the reigning national champs with a new paint job.

According to WYMT, Waltrip and sponsor Aaron’s will go with a blue and white paint scheme for his car during the Sprint Cup race at Kentucky Speedway.

“Like everyone in Kentucky I grew up watching UK basketball. That’s just what we did. We raced cars and watched basketball. I guess it’s part of the culture,” Waltrip said. “I can’t tell you how thankful I am to Aaron’s for combining NASCAR and UK basketball for the weekend.

“I think they’ll bring the national championship trophy to the Aaron’s display at the track. I’d love to give the UK folks another trophy to take back to Lexington after the race.”

Waltrip gets to pay homage to his favorite team while also giving the home fans a show that he hopes ends with a victory.

But while this is a nice tribute it’s tough to think this surpasses showing one’s affection for the Wildcats with the use of cereal.

Raphielle is also the assistant editor at CollegeHoops.net and can be followed on Twitter at @raphiellej.