Kenny Wallace
- Thread starter faustfan2
- Start date
t.nie
Patience Tester
Kenny Wallace is probably a bigger draw outside of the Stl racing area than within it. Sometimes people just get used to somebody being around racing so often they aren't viewed as much of a celebrity as they are another racer in a division.
I think he's earned his success in modified the way everyone else does. Invest in good equipment or get good sponsors to pay for it, learn how to set it up or be able to call on people who can give you good advise, then learn how to drive it. There was no magic in it. I remember his early years, like ten years ago, when he looked almost out of control and squirrelly at times trying to figure it out. Just like everyone else.
I've met him a few times over the years, and he's kind of scatter brained and all over the place to talk to, but that's what makes him who he is. I have never heard nor seen a single deliberately malicious thing come out of his mouth, and if anything he just comes across as a guy who likes to have a good time, laugh and joke about stuff and entertain people around him.
He is a great ambassador for the sport, no doubt, and I have personally seen him take the time to talk with folks, sign an autograph, when he really needs to be going somewhere else. And he does it gladly and willingly. I've never seen or heard of him being rude to anyone, anywhere, for any reason.
And one other thing.... I am pretty sure there have been wealthier people than him try their hand at the local dirt track and never win anything. Certain of it. Money does not buy anything other than good equipment; how to use it and having the talent to win with it is all down to the driver.
I don't think anyone should begrudge him the success he has had in racing. It takes more than the name, just look at Steve Wallace or some of the Earnhardts or Petty's that have tried their luck. If all it came down to was name, NASCAR would be like watching The Ramones behind the wheel.
I think he's earned his success in modified the way everyone else does. Invest in good equipment or get good sponsors to pay for it, learn how to set it up or be able to call on people who can give you good advise, then learn how to drive it. There was no magic in it. I remember his early years, like ten years ago, when he looked almost out of control and squirrelly at times trying to figure it out. Just like everyone else.
I've met him a few times over the years, and he's kind of scatter brained and all over the place to talk to, but that's what makes him who he is. I have never heard nor seen a single deliberately malicious thing come out of his mouth, and if anything he just comes across as a guy who likes to have a good time, laugh and joke about stuff and entertain people around him.
He is a great ambassador for the sport, no doubt, and I have personally seen him take the time to talk with folks, sign an autograph, when he really needs to be going somewhere else. And he does it gladly and willingly. I've never seen or heard of him being rude to anyone, anywhere, for any reason.
And one other thing.... I am pretty sure there have been wealthier people than him try their hand at the local dirt track and never win anything. Certain of it. Money does not buy anything other than good equipment; how to use it and having the talent to win with it is all down to the driver.
I don't think anyone should begrudge him the success he has had in racing. It takes more than the name, just look at Steve Wallace or some of the Earnhardts or Petty's that have tried their luck. If all it came down to was name, NASCAR would be like watching The Ramones behind the wheel.
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racinfan4life9999
Member
I think it might work if its only the top 5 and a 5 grand exchange.
racinfan4life9999
Member
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racinfan4life9999
Member
I do not begrudge him I just think when you have access like he has, you should be competing at the highest level,he could have the same amount of fun there
The motor claim issue is just like all the other useless ump rules.... However, I'm just as guilty as everyone else because I still race ump sanctioned tracks. As far as KW,... Great guy and supporter of dirt track racing..... Rick Stevenson
P.S will probably have to step down soon because of out of control cost to be competitive...
P.S will probably have to step down soon because of out of control cost to be competitive...
t.nie
Patience Tester
Last time I checked everyone has the same 4 contact patches to work with, regardless of where your HP comes from or what your historical record in racing is or who your sponsors are. You still have to set it up and drive it on those same 4 tires like everyone else, on the same track.
And racinfan4life9999, I would say that racing modifieds here in the midwest IS racing at the highest level.
It's not like he is cherry picking crate late model shows with a million dollar crate racing team, full pit crew and multiple specially prepared crate engines. He's racing a modified against a lot of top notch modified racers and he is doing a good job of being competitive, on a level one would expect from someone with good sponsors, a good race team and 10 plus years behind him in a modified not to mention the years and years of experience in other classes. Very similar to most of the top notch modified racers. He isn't remarkably better or worse than the top guys, but he is right up there with them.
I just don't quite see how he isn't "racing at the highest level" in the modifieds. And I sure don't see him running away with it. He gets beat a lot, and wins quite often, just like most of the top modified guys do. The only difference I see between him and anyone he is racing against is he has a NASCAR resume and is an announcer on TV. But I don't see either of those things as giving him some special advantage over everyone he is racing against. They're all as good and well resourced as he is.
And racinfan4life9999, I would say that racing modifieds here in the midwest IS racing at the highest level.
It's not like he is cherry picking crate late model shows with a million dollar crate racing team, full pit crew and multiple specially prepared crate engines. He's racing a modified against a lot of top notch modified racers and he is doing a good job of being competitive, on a level one would expect from someone with good sponsors, a good race team and 10 plus years behind him in a modified not to mention the years and years of experience in other classes. Very similar to most of the top notch modified racers. He isn't remarkably better or worse than the top guys, but he is right up there with them.
I just don't quite see how he isn't "racing at the highest level" in the modifieds. And I sure don't see him running away with it. He gets beat a lot, and wins quite often, just like most of the top modified guys do. The only difference I see between him and anyone he is racing against is he has a NASCAR resume and is an announcer on TV. But I don't see either of those things as giving him some special advantage over everyone he is racing against. They're all as good and well resourced as he is.
shredxcam
Active Member
It was either nick or Darrell Hoffman who said. The best modified racing in the country is ump country.
Not a quote but it was something along those lines.
I'd say the late model guys and mod guys are pretty equal competition. Griffaw switched and is now consistantly top 10 against some big names. Gilpin runs a late model and look how he does.
The motor thing. Did mike Harrison say in a post race interview last year at granite he was nervous about bringing a smaller motor there. But then still won when the track slicked off
Not a quote but it was something along those lines.
I'd say the late model guys and mod guys are pretty equal competition. Griffaw switched and is now consistantly top 10 against some big names. Gilpin runs a late model and look how he does.
The motor thing. Did mike Harrison say in a post race interview last year at granite he was nervous about bringing a smaller motor there. But then still won when the track slicked off
It is some of the best, but I would put the USMTS tour at a little higher level.
