NASCAR WCUP: Wallace misses the million; Sets sights on Atlanta

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

CHARLOTTE, N.C., (March 8, 2001) – Kenny Wallace arrived in Las Vegas for the UAW-Daimler Chrysler 400 with a one race sponsorship deal with Hills Bros Coffee promoting their 100% Columbian blend and a chance to win a million dollars.

Wallace started the weekend out by being matched up with his No Bull 5 partner Cindy Edwards from Nashville (Tenn.) who brought several gifts for Wallace including a stuffed bear which he placed in his car before the race.

His efforts to win big for both his sponsor and his fan came up short as Wallace qualified for the event 34th with a lap of 31.895 seconds at an average speed of 169.306 mph and eventually finished the race 31st.

"We fought a tight handling car throughout the day," said Wallace. "We made changes on every pit stop. They helped a little, but halfway into the run the car would get tight again. Our finish in Vegas just wasn’t what we were looking for, but we learned a lot as a team.

"I am so thankful to Hills Bros for their support both here and in Daytona. They were a great help to us," Wallace continued. "It was also an honor to represent R.J. Reynolds and NASCAR in the No Bull 5 event. We tried our best and came up short. Now, we’re looking forward to moving on to Atlanta and moving up in the points."

As Kenny Wallace heads into Atlanta for the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store 500, he will have an addition to his driver’s seat. This weekend, Wallace will join the ranks as one of the drivers who are using the HANS device.

"I’ve been fitted with the HANS device and it feels good," said Wallace. "I’ll definitely be using it in Atlanta."

The HANS device has gotten a lot of attention in the Winston Cup Series since the death of seven-time champion Dale Earnhardt in Daytona. Since then, many drivers have ordered and tried the device, which is designed to immobilize the head and neck in a head-on collision.

"Atlanta is a fast race track and everybody has a lot of concerns right now," said Wallace. "There will be a lot of safety issues brought up all week and I’m doing my part.

"We’re looking forward to going down to Atlanta," Wallace continued," and having a strong run that will move us up in the standings."

Text Provided By Heather Buckelew

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