Wallace started 31 races last season and wasn't running at the end of 13 them -- a staggering total that had him far beyond frustrated. Wallace likes to talk about how well he was running when his engines kept blowing up. His sponsor must believe in that, since it moved with him from the 81 to this new car in the Petree shop.
Career
In 1997, he had two sixths at Martinsville, where he also won one his two poles. Wound up 33rd in points. Bet you didn't know this Wallace won $939,001 last year. He
did, but he also failed to finish 11 races -- one more than his brother,
Rusty, and the highest total on Winston Cup circuit. Only top-10 finishes
were pair of sixths at Martinsville, where he also won one his two poles.
Other pole came at Bristol. Oddly, he wasn't able to lead the first lap at
either of those races and didn't lead a lap all season. Wound up 33rd in
points.
In 1996, raced in 30 events for Filbert Martocci, finishing in the top 10 twice. Ended up 28th in season standings. Now in third season with Martocci.
Started racing go-karts in Midwest, moved to ASA, following in brother Rusty's
footsteps. 1986 ASA Rookie of the Year. 1989 Busch Grand National Rookie of the
Year and runner-up for the 1991 BGN championship. First Winston Cup
start, 1990 North Wilkesboro.
Filled in for injured
Ernie Irvan on Robert Yates team for final 10 races of '94, posting two top 10
finishes.
He had 48 Winston Cup starts through 1994 . Best finish, 4th in '94
Martinsville
fall race. Finished 40th in '94 Winston Cup standings. Spent '94 and '95
running
NASCAR Busch Series and NASCAR Winston Cup events with the FILMAR team as it
built
itself into running a full season, which they expect to do in '96.
With Dale Earnhardt's help, built go-kart track in his backyard.
Holds night races on the track during Charlotte race weekends. Worked several
Winston Cup races as a commentator on TNN.
Great sense of humor. Voted "Class Clown" at Fox Senior
High in 1981. Inspired by his father, who was a successful dirt-track racer in
Missouri and Illinois. Would like to pursue that line of work, or become a disc
jockey after Winston Cup career. Hobbies include slot-car racing, go-kart
racing, racquetball and golf. A diehard St. Louis Cardinals and Ozzie Smith fan.
Sources: NASCAR Press Guides, Star and News staff reports.
