Wallace finally broke a long victory drought with a November win at Phoenix to cap a solid season that left him fourth in points. He put up the fastest speed in Daytona testing and his team is really excited about its chances there. It's easy to get caught up in Rusty's optimism, but there's every reason to believe he could be on to something for 1999.
Career
Scored his 48th career victory at Phoenix in 1998. In 1997, he won at Richmond, but
there were long stretches of struggle, as eight engine failures contributed
to 10 DNFs. Black flag for jumping restart cost him probable win at
Martinsville in September. Ran second at Phoenix in November and finished
ninth in points to win more than $1.7 million, bringing his career total to
$16,125,660.
In 1996, won five races, making it the 11th consecutive season with a victory. However, finished only seventh in the season standings, posting six DNFs. In all, scored eight top-five finishes and 18 total top-10 finishes.
USAC Rookie of the Year in 1979. ASA National Champion in 1983. NASCAR Winston
Cup
Rookie of the Year in 1984. NMPA Driver of the Year in 1988 and 1993. 1989
NASCAR
Winston Cup champion, beating Dale Earnhardt by 12 points. 1991 IROC champion.
Biggest break came after winning the '83 ASA championship. First win came in
72nd
start, 1986 Valleydale Meats 500 at Bristol.
First pole came in 110th attempt, 1987 Miller 400 at Michigan. Finished 2nd in
Winston Cup debut in 1980 at Atlanta, driving for Roger Penske. Won The Winston
Select in 1989. $1 million in earnings in four different seasons. Runner-up to
Bill Elliott for 1988 Winston Cup title by 24 points and runner-up to Dale
Earnhardt for 1993 title by 80 points.
Entered final race of '94 season in second
place in points, but fell to third after motor problems forced him from the
race
early. Considered one of NASCAR's best road racers of all-time. Scored 8 wins
and
won $1,914,072 in '94 giving him 18 victories and $3,616,226 in two-year span.
Pulled up in the final third of 1995 season to 5th from 32nd. In last 13 races,
finished in the top-five of 10 events. Had 15 top-five finishes overall.
Father was 3-time track champion in St. Louis. Infatuated with planes and
flying.
Owns three planes (Piper Cheyenne, Beechcraft King Air and a Cessna 172). Has
pilot's license and could see himself as a commercial or contract pilot if he
weren't racing. Favorite part of Winston Cup racing is traveling, so he gets
another chance to fly his plane. Considers Earnhardt the best driver on the
circuit and loves to hear rock 'n' roll.
Sources: NASCAR Press Guides, Star and News staff reports.
