(DAYTONA BEACH, FL) -- What a difference a year makes. A year ago Michael Waltrip was embarrassed and disgraced after his car failed a Daytona 500 pre-qualifying inspection. An unidentifiable substance was discovered in his engine intake. Sunday, he got a clean bill of health on his car after qualifying second for the 500. Waltrip said it has been a tough year, but his sponsors and others have been there for him. "It certainly has been humbling and makes me very thankful," said Waltrip.

Jimmie Johnson stole most of the spotlight on Sunday when he landed the 500 pole, but that did not matter to Waltrip. "I love Mr. Hendrick, I respect him and Chad and Jimmie are great racers, but there's no way they're as happy as me."

So how is it that second is as good as first for Waltrip? "I'm second, but I'm first when it comes to happiness. They (Johnson and Hendrick) woke up this morning knowing what they were going to be doing next Sunday. I woke up this morning in a fog."

Waltrip went a long way toward redeeming himself on Sunday and possibly indicating how good Toyota could be this year.