NASCAR WCUP: Kenny Wallace 'fired up' for another race at Indy
2 August 2000
Posted By Terry
Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
|
"Don't let anyone lie to you, you do feel different when you walk into the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS)," said Wallace. "It's sacred ground. It's a feeling you can't get at another race track. I still don't feel comfortable being there because for so many years, the IMS has been about Indy cars. Yeah, we're happy to be there. Yeah, I'm glad Winston Cup has a race there because it's the 'big-time.' But, when I think of IMS, I think of Indy cars on Gasoline Alley, not stock cars."
As you can see, Wallace admits feeling a little unworthy everytime he goes to the 2.5-mile oval. The St. Louis-native has watched Indy cars compete in the Indianapolis 500 since he was a little child. That is why he is so anxious to showcase his skills on one of motorsport's biggest stages.
"There's not so much pressure as there's your pride on the line," added Wallace. "With everyone watching, you want to go to Indy and unload your best race car. It's like going to Daytona (Fla.) or Talladega (Ala.); you bring your best gun for the big gun fights. The drivers and crew chiefs are pulling out all the stops for this one because it's something they have been dreaming of since they were little."
So much importance is placed on establishing Winston Cup history at the monumental motor speedway, that NASCAR mandated testing dates for all teams. While Wallace didn't necessarily agree with the rule, he isn't protesting too loudly.
"I think testing should be an individual preference," said Wallace. "You should be allowed to test where and when you want to test. I will say this; everyone needs to test for the Brickyard. Everyone needs to know where they stand before the get to IMS because the rules change every year. You can't afford to go to the big show unprepared. Everyone from rookies to past winners needs to test at Indy or Daytona because they're the race tracks that you want to have your best racing performance."
Text provided by Chris Hunt
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