Who Is Michael Waltrip Married To

Tia Leannon 08 Jul 2025

# Michael Waltrip's Love Life: Who Is He Married To Now? **Michael Waltrip, a name synonymous with NASCAR, has captivated audiences for decades, not just with his incredible racing prowess but also with his vibrant personality. As fans follow his journey from the track to the commentary booth and beyond, a natural curiosity arises about his personal life. Among the most frequently asked questions is, "who is Michael Waltrip married to?" This article delves into the details of his relationships, past and present, offering a comprehensive look at the man behind the wheel.** Beyond the roar of engines and the thrill of competition, the personal lives of public figures often become a subject of keen interest. Michael Waltrip is no exception. A multifaceted personality – a retired professional stock car racing driver, a respected racing commentator, a successful racing team owner, an amateur ballroom dancing competitor, and a published author – Waltrip's journey has been rich and varied. Understanding his relationships helps paint a fuller picture of this beloved NASCAR legend. *** ### Table of Contents * [Michael Waltrip: A NASCAR Legend's Enduring Legacy](#michael-waltrip-a-nascar-legends-enduring-legacy) * [Michael Waltrip's Personal Life: A Glimpse Beyond the Track](#michael-waltrips-personal-life-a-glimpse-beyond-the-track) * [Who is Michael Waltrip Married To? Unraveling the Current Status](#who-is-michael-waltrip-married-to-unraveling-the-current-status) * [The First Chapter: Michael Waltrip's Marriage to Elizabeth "Buffy" Franks](#the-first-chapter-michael-waltrips-marriage-to-elizabeth-buffy-franks) * [A Shared Journey: The Early Years with Buffy](#a-shared-journey-the-early-years-with-buffy) * [The Unraveling: Divorce and Its Aftermath](#the-unraveling-divorce-and-its-aftermath) * [Beyond Buffy: Other Relationships and Family](#beyond-buffy-other-relationships-and-family) * [A New Chapter: Michael Waltrip and Colleen Connors](#a-new-chapter-michael-waltrip-and-colleen-connors) * [Making it Official: The Instagram Revelation](#making-it-official-the-instagram-revelation) * [Colleen Connors: More Than Just a Partner](#colleen-connors-more-than-just-a-partner) * [Michael Waltrip's Biography & Personal Data](#michael-waltrips-biography--personal-data) * [The Enduring Appeal of Michael Waltrip: Why Fans Care](#the-enduring-appeal-of-michael-waltrip-why-fans-care) *** ### Michael Waltrip: A NASCAR Legend's Enduring Legacy Born on April 30, 1963, in Owensboro, Kentucky, Michael Curtis Waltrip carved out an impressive career in motorsports. He is widely recognized as a former professional stock car racing driver, having competed in NASCAR's top series, and even taking on the challenging 24 Hours of Le Mans. Beyond his driving achievements, Waltrip has transitioned seamlessly into roles as a respected racing commentator and a successful racing team owner. His versatile talents even extend to being an amateur ballroom dancing competitor and a published author, showcasing a personality that thrives both on and off the track. His multifaceted career has kept him in the public eye, making details about his personal life, including **who is Michael Waltrip married to**, a topic of consistent interest. ### Michael Waltrip's Personal Life: A Glimpse Beyond the Track While Michael Waltrip's professional life has been an open book for fans, his personal journey, particularly his relationships, often garners significant attention. Like many public figures, Waltrip has navigated the complexities of love and family under the media spotlight. His journey includes a past marriage, a subsequent divorce, and more recently, a new relationship that has captured the public's interest. Understanding these chapters provides a more complete picture of the man who has given so much to the world of motorsports. ### Who is Michael Waltrip Married To? Unraveling the Current Status For those wondering **who is Michael Waltrip married to** currently, the most up-to-date information indicates that Michael Waltrip, a divorcee and father of two, is not currently married but is in a committed relationship. He found love again and is currently dating Colleen Connors. The couple made their relationship official via Instagram in 2023, signaling a new chapter in Waltrip's personal life. This clarifies that while he was previously married, his current status is that of being in a relationship with Colleen Connors. ### The First Chapter: Michael Waltrip's Marriage to Elizabeth "Buffy" Franks Before his current relationship, Michael Waltrip was married to Elizabeth "Buffy" Franks. Their union was a significant chapter in his life, lasting for 17 years. This was his most publicly known marriage, and it laid the foundation for a family. #### A Shared Journey: The Early Years with Buffy Michael Waltrip and Elizabeth "Buffy" Franks first crossed paths in 1992. After dating for a year, the racing sensation and Buffy Waltrip tied the knot on November 27, 1993. Elizabeth, born on April 5, 1967, in Louisiana, United States, became an integral part of Michael's life during his active racing career. Together, they shared one daughter, Margaret Carol, often referred to as Macy. Their marriage was a fixture in the NASCAR community for nearly two decades. #### The Unraveling: Divorce and Its Aftermath Despite enjoying seventeen years of married life, Michael Waltrip and Buffy Waltrip ultimately decided to go their separate ways. The couple got divorced in 2010. This marked the end of a significant personal chapter for Michael, transitioning him back into the single life after a long-term marriage. The divorce was a private matter, but its occurrence became public knowledge, prompting ongoing interest in **who is Michael Waltrip married to** or involved with. ### Beyond Buffy: Other Relationships and Family It's important to note that Michael Waltrip is a father of two daughters. While he shares Margaret Carol (Macy) with his former wife, Elizabeth "Buffy" Franks, he also has another daughter, Caitlin Marie Waltrip, from a previous relationship. This highlights his enduring commitment to fatherhood, a role he has embraced across different phases of his life. His family life, including his children, remains a private but cherished aspect of his world, further adding layers to the public's understanding of Michael Waltrip beyond the racetrack. ### A New Chapter: Michael Waltrip and Colleen Connors Following his divorce, Michael Waltrip eventually found companionship and love again. His current relationship with Colleen Connors represents a new and happy chapter in his personal life. Their connection has been openly shared with the public, particularly through social media. #### Making it Official: The Instagram Revelation Michael Waltrip and Colleen Connors made their relationship official in 2023, choosing Instagram as the platform to share their happiness with the world. This public declaration allowed fans to get a glimpse into Waltrip's current personal life, answering the lingering question of **who is Michael Waltrip married to** or dating. The decision to share their relationship publicly indicates a level of comfort and commitment between the two, allowing fans to celebrate this new phase with him. #### Colleen Connors: More Than Just a Partner While Colleen Connors has gained media limelight as the girlfriend of Michael Waltrip, she is also recognized for her own professional achievements. The provided data indicates that Colleen is in talks about her professional accomplishments, suggesting she has a career and identity independent of her relationship with the NASCAR legend. This aspect of their relationship underscores that Colleen is a multifaceted individual, bringing her own experiences and successes to the partnership. Her presence has clearly brought joy and support to Waltrip's life. ### Michael Waltrip's Biography & Personal Data To provide a comprehensive overview of Michael Waltrip, here's a summary of his key biographical and personal data: | Category | Details