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NASCAR WCUP: Kenny Wallace survives Daytona; Prepares for 'The Rock'

23 February 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Kenny Wallace survived two separate collisions with two other NASCAR Winston Cup Series drivers to post a 29th place finish in the 42nd annual Daytona 500. Wallace, who was a Winston No Bull 5 entry in the 39th starting position, dealt with his share of setbacks before the final lap of Sunday's race.

The Square D/Cooper Lighting Chevrolet first connected with Kevin Lepage on pit road. As Wallace approached his designated pit stall on lap 34, Lepage pulled out of his pit area adjacent to the No. 55 team. Wallace hit Lepage's right rear tire, sustaining minor damage to the left side of his Chevrolet. Wallace dropped four spots, from 34th to 38th, as a result.

On lap 192, Wallace was the victim of a second impact, as he traded paint with Elliott Sadler, who was sideways after running into Michael Waltrip. The crash added more damage to the left side of Wallace's race car, forcing the Square D/Cooper Lighting Chevrolet driver to pit under caution. While on pit road, Wallace's crew was able to rip the sheet metal free from the tires, quickly returning Wallace to action. The No. 55 Chevy lost just two positions during the service.

This weekend at North Carolina Speedway in Rockingham, you'll notice Kenny Wallace running to and from his Square D/ Cooper Lighting Chevrolet. The reason is, his schedule will not allow him to walk during his visit to the 1.017-mile oval. Not only will Wallace drive in Sunday's Dura Lube/Kmart 400 NASCAR Winston Cup Series event, he will also compete in the Alltel 200 NASCAR Busch Series, Grand National Division race on Saturday.

"Running in the Busch Series is something that I enjoy doing," said Wallace. "My car owner, Andy Petree, and my crew chief, Jimmy Elledge, think that racing on Saturday gets me up to speed for Sunday. I'm still young, I enjoy running the series and I'm competitive in it. It's a way for me to give additional feedback to Jimmy so that we're even more prepared for Sunday.

"When you compare the Winston Cup car with the Busch car, you'll realize that they're very different," said Wallace. "They may look the same, but Busch cars are five inches shorter, they're lighter and they race differently. I race the Busch car because it keeps my racing wits about me. It improves my mental approach, while giving me a sneak preview of the track.

"Nothing beats seat time," continued Wallace. "I'm getting double the track time than I would be if I just stayed in the Cup car. While there are differences between the two cars, they still have four tires, turn left and go fast. So, a lot of the principles are still the same. Come Sunday, the Square D/Cooper Lighting Chevrolet will be better off for it."

Text provided by Chris Hunt

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.