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Chat Reel: Kenny Wallace
Looking forward to end of sponsor search
Posted: Tuesday February 13, 2001 5:44 PM
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Kenny Wallace doesn't know how long his team can race without a sponsor. Jon Ferrey/Allsport |
CNNSI Host: Welcome to today's NASCAR chat with Kenny Wallace. Thank you for joining us!
Kenny Wallace: I'm happy to be on. Live from Daytona from the infield.
From MillerTime2 in Dallas, Texas: It seems like you have all the ingredients for a repeat of the '89 season, you're in a Pontiac, it's the 27, and you've got Barry Dodson. Think we'll see the same result? It sure would be great to see it happen. How do you feel coming into this season?
Kenny Wallace: I feel that we have a great product. We are a little disappointed in our qualifying. But in drafting we ran extremely well. I am looking forward to Thursday's qualifying races and racing in the Daytona 500.
From Steve J. Sutton in Jacksonville, Fla.: Kenny, NASCAR has seemingly cracked down on illegal parts use as of late, handing down multiple penalties and fines. Would you say that it's generally common practice for teams to sneak in something to get that extra edge on race day? Also, do you think the fear of getting caught will now even up the multi-car franchises with the smaller budget teams? Good luck on Sunday! GO #27!
Kenny Wallace: Thanks for the luck. I think all the cheating is because of the pressure to perform. Whether it is self-induced or from sponsors I don't really know. But NASCAR Winston Cup racing is the biggest auto sport in the U.S. and most of the world. It's a big show and desperate people do desperate things.
From BOOTPIE: Kenny: How many races can you run without a sponsor?
Kenny Wallace: That is up to the car owners. I do not know how deep their pockets are. I think as long as we are talking to potential sponsors they are behind us. I had never had this much attention not having a sponsor. We will have to wait and see. It's a big burden right now. I can't wait for it to be over.
From do: Do you find the new rules change for the 500 and Talledega more fun or less restrictive?
Kenny Wallace: More fun. It's great racing. It's very close. I know as of 30 minutes ago there is very serious talk about the Dodges being slowed down, because wind tunnel results showed 35 counts less drag than the Pontiac's and Chevy's.
From WallaceFanatic: As the baby brother, how much do you rely on the experience of Rusty and Mike?
Kenny Wallace: I have always helped my bigger brothers. When I first started racing, I built their racecars with my own hands and my fabricating skills. I don't think anyone in this sport can do it on their own. I always look forward to getting a break from by brothers or anybody.
From BOOTPIE: Kenny: Are you, Mike and Rusty having any special competition this season to see who the "better Wallace brother" might be?
Kenny Wallace: We all know that Rusty is god so we just leave it at that! (laughs)
From CatchULater5: With the aero changes, how has your car handled during early practices -- and is the manufacturers' disparity as bad as reported?
Kenny Wallace: I didn't realize it was until the Dodges embarrassed NASCAR by complaining that they were very slow. Then two weeks later they turned around and most of their cars are in the top 10 to 15. I know things are pretty touchy down here as far as the Dodges go. But give all the credit to Ray Evernham for sandbagging and not showing exactly what he had during winter testing. He is a great organizer and probably the greatest crew chief in Winston Cup racing.
From MillerTime2: Do you have any tracks that you hate to see during the year? I know there is a lot of talk about Texas. Which one is your least favorite?
Kenny Wallace: I truly like them all. There are some facilities that I don't like. But they are all a challenge in their own right. And someone will win at those tracks. But I feel that Sears Point in San Francisco has a lot of work to do. But I hear they are doing a lot of improvement.
From BOOTPIE: Kenny: How often are you on the net?
Kenny Wallace: My family lives on it. I don't because I'm afraid I might get addicted. But it has become part of my life I must say.
CNNSI Host: That's all the time we have today with Kenny Wallace. Thanks for joining us and good luck this weekend!
Kenny Wallace: Ok everyone, thank you very much.
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