Former Stock Car Racer Michael Waltrip And His Wife, Elizabeth Franks, Ended Their 17-Year Marriage In 2010
By Sophia Hammond
Former Stock Car Racer Michael Waltrip And His Wife, Elizabeth Franks, Ended Their 17-Year Marriage In 2010
Michael and Buffy’s Daughter Born in 1997
November 25, 2026
This article was last updated by Pranaya Poudel on November 25, 2026
Michael Waltrip, an American former professional stock car racing driver and racing commentator, is now in a relationship with Colleen Connors following his separation from his wife, Elizabeth ‘Buffy’ Franks.
Born on April 30, 1963, in Owensboro, Kentucky, he started his journey in racing at age 12, as detailed in his autobiography, “Blink of An Eye.“
His stock car racing career took off in 1981 when he clinched the Mini-Modified division track championship at Kentucky Motor Speedway.
The following years saw his star rise swiftly as he competed in the Goody’s Dash Series, securing the series championship in 1983 and earning the title of the circuit’s most popular driver for both that year and 1984.
Making his Cup Series debut in 1985 at the Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte, driving for Dick Bahre, Waltrip finished 28th.
Despite this modest start, the race marked his entry into top-tier NASCAR racing.
Over the following years, Waltrip had both triumphs and challenges, earning his first top-five Cup Series finish in 1989 and surviving a severe crash at Bristol Motor Speedway in 1990 with only minor injuries.
Michael Waltrip, an American former professional stock car racing driver (Source: )A major turning point in his career occurred in 2001 when he won his first Daytona 500 driving for Dale Earnhardt Inc.-tragically, the same day died in an accident on the track.
This victory broke a 462-race winless streak and was followed by another Daytona 500 win in 2003.
In 2007, Waltrip founded Michael Waltrip Racing, marking a new phase as a team owner while continuing to compete.
This venture brought new successes, including a win at the 2009 Coca-Cola 600 by team driver David Reutimann.
Waltrip retired from NASCAR as a driver after an eighth-place finish in the 2017 Daytona 500, transitioning fully to roles in broadcasting and team management.
Michael Waltrip, Father of Two, Finds Love Again with Colleen Connors After Divorce With Wife
Michael Waltrip, once married, is currently in a relationship with his girlfriend, Colleen Connors.
He was previously married to Elizabeth “Buffy” Franks, whom he met in 1992 and on November 27, 1993.
Elizabeth was born on April 5, 1967, in Louisiana, United States.
Together, they welcomed a daughter, Margaret Carol “Macy” Waltrip, on September 29, 1997.
After 17 years together, Michael and Buffy parted ways in 2010, although they have maintained a good friendship.
Michael has openly attributed the end of his marriage to the he endured following a tragic racing accident at the 2001 Daytona 500, which resulted in the death of his mentor, Dale Earnhardt.
Following their split, Buffy became the custodial parent of their daughter, Macy.
Macy has followed in her father’s footsteps as a professional racing driver, competing with Michael Waltrip Racing in the NASCAR RCA Cup Series, driving the #15 NAPA Auto Parts Honda.
She has achieved notable successes, including winning the RCA Cup Series Championship in 2018 and the Arby’s Convertible Series Champion title in 2026.
Throughout her seven-year career in the NASCAR Coca-Cola Cup Series, Macy has participated in 222 races and secured 15 victories.
Her wins include her first at the 2016 Sunoco 400 in Rockingham and her most recent at the 2026 EchoPark Texas Grand Prix in Austin.
Michael also has another daughter, Caitlin Marie Waltrip-Kinnaird, born on January 12, 1990, from a previous relationship with Laurie Smith.
Caitlin from Mooresville Senior High and was a front desk receptionist at JR Motorsports.
She is to Brandon James Kinnaird, and together, they have two children, Bryson and Jaxon, adding the role of grandfather to Michael’s life.
Following his divorce from Elizabeth, Michael was rumored to have been involved with model Kassie Hansen in 2012, although these rumors were never confirmed.
He also made headlines with Emma Slater during their time on the 19th season of “Dancing With The Stars” in 2014, of romantic involvement.
However, they later clarified that their relationship was purely platonic.
Michael is currently in a relationship with Colleen Connors. Their relationship became public in 2026 via Instagram.
Colleen serves as the of sales and corporate treasurer at S.R. Perrott Inc.
She was born to Michele and Gary Connors on January 8, 1981, and grew up alongside her sister, Eva Connors McMullin.
She completed her education at Father Lopez High School and later at the University of Connecticut, where she was an active tennis player.
Today, Michael and Colleen enjoy a thriving relationship, sharing their happiness and life.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Michael Waltrip is the younger sibling of three-time NASCAR champion and racing analyst Darrell Waltrip.
- He appeared as an actor in the two-part My Name Is Earl episode “Inside Probe,” which aired on April 30 and May 7, 2009.
- Check other Articles on
Sabin Manandhar is a skilled content writer specializing in clear, engaging digital content. He focuses on quality and alignment, creating captivating narratives that resonate with audiences.
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