<img src="http://www.stlracing.com/pixs05/WallaceFamilyTribute2.jpg">
Rusty Wallace proudly shows off what is sure to be one of many awards during his final season in NASCAR competition which has be titled "Rusty's Last Call". Pictured left to right - Kenny Wallace, Judy Wallace, Rusty Wallace, Frank Viverito, Russ Wallace and Mike Wallace (Photo by Jim Compton)
By Jim Compton
Although the NASCAR season is less than a month away from the Daytona 500, the entire Wallace Family is focusing on one of the biggest races of their lives. In just six months Gateway International Raceway will host the Wallace Family Tribute 250 on July 30th, and when you listen to former NASCAR Champion, Rusty Wallace, you can quickly determine that this is not just another guest appearance for the retiring NASCAR great.
<img src="http://www.stlracing.com/pixs05/WallaceFamilyTribute1.jpg">
The St. Louis media was out in force as the Wallace brothers patiently answered questions for more than two hours. (Photo by Jim Compton)
Wallace says that when he climbs into the Miller Lite Dodge Charger he plans on taking care of business. "I'm gonna take it serious. I'm gonna be in town testing. I'll probably be in town a week before the race...just seeing my friends and family around here. But to have a race dedicated to your family, that's pretty darn gone strong," Wallace said. "That's something I don't thinks ever happened before so I'm pretty pumped up about that!" he added.
While the youngest of the Wallace brothers is often the one pulling pranks and being quick with a joke, Kenny was a little more sentimental about the fact that this race is not just about the three brothers but more about the entire family. "We're just real excited about it you know. I'm just proud of my dad. Dad won so many races a long time ago and you know, it's not about the past. It's about the future. But you know they don't give out trophies because of something your gonna do. They gave it out for something he did do and that's what I'm proud of my dad. He was the patriot, he did a lot. He is being rewarded....he and my mom are the Grand Marshal's for the race and I'm just humbled to be part of it all..."
Mike Wallace jumped in a said, "We all started out by working on dad's (race) car. We've all been doing this for a long time."
Rusty Wallace was also honored by Frank Viverito from the St. Louis Sports Commission on behalf of St. Louis Mayor Frances Slay when Viverito presented Rusty with Proclamation that declares July 30th as Rusty Wallace Day in St. Louis.
Tickets for The Wallace Family Tribute 250 are on sale at Gateway International Raceway and can be purchased on line at www.gatewayraceway.com
Rusty Wallace proudly shows off what is sure to be one of many awards during his final season in NASCAR competition which has be titled "Rusty's Last Call". Pictured left to right - Kenny Wallace, Judy Wallace, Rusty Wallace, Frank Viverito, Russ Wallace and Mike Wallace (Photo by Jim Compton)
By Jim Compton
Although the NASCAR season is less than a month away from the Daytona 500, the entire Wallace Family is focusing on one of the biggest races of their lives. In just six months Gateway International Raceway will host the Wallace Family Tribute 250 on July 30th, and when you listen to former NASCAR Champion, Rusty Wallace, you can quickly determine that this is not just another guest appearance for the retiring NASCAR great.
<img src="http://www.stlracing.com/pixs05/WallaceFamilyTribute1.jpg">
The St. Louis media was out in force as the Wallace brothers patiently answered questions for more than two hours. (Photo by Jim Compton)
Wallace says that when he climbs into the Miller Lite Dodge Charger he plans on taking care of business. "I'm gonna take it serious. I'm gonna be in town testing. I'll probably be in town a week before the race...just seeing my friends and family around here. But to have a race dedicated to your family, that's pretty darn gone strong," Wallace said. "That's something I don't thinks ever happened before so I'm pretty pumped up about that!" he added.
While the youngest of the Wallace brothers is often the one pulling pranks and being quick with a joke, Kenny was a little more sentimental about the fact that this race is not just about the three brothers but more about the entire family. "We're just real excited about it you know. I'm just proud of my dad. Dad won so many races a long time ago and you know, it's not about the past. It's about the future. But you know they don't give out trophies because of something your gonna do. They gave it out for something he did do and that's what I'm proud of my dad. He was the patriot, he did a lot. He is being rewarded....he and my mom are the Grand Marshal's for the race and I'm just humbled to be part of it all..."
Mike Wallace jumped in a said, "We all started out by working on dad's (race) car. We've all been doing this for a long time."
Rusty Wallace was also honored by Frank Viverito from the St. Louis Sports Commission on behalf of St. Louis Mayor Frances Slay when Viverito presented Rusty with Proclamation that declares July 30th as Rusty Wallace Day in St. Louis.
Tickets for The Wallace Family Tribute 250 are on sale at Gateway International Raceway and can be purchased on line at www.gatewayraceway.com
