During the recent race weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway, Kenny Wallace praised his brother Rusty Wallace for his exceptional record at the track, highlighting Rusty’s prominence in NASCAR history. The tribute unfolded with Kenny Wallace sharing a photo of Rusty’s commemorative bronze plaque on social media, emphasizing his admiration for his brother’s storied career and achievements at Bristol—a reflection of the deep respect shared within the racing community as Kenny Wallace praises Rusty Wallace.
The bronze plaque at Bristol shines a spotlight on Rusty Wallace’s formidable legacy, honoring his nine victories at the Speedway, including both his inaugural NASCAR Cup Series win and his 50th milestone victory. Beyond his triumphs in races, the plaque notes his seven pole positions at the iconic track. Installed in March 2006, just one year after Rusty’s farewell from the racing circuit, it stands as a lasting testament to his skill and impact at the venue.
Kenny Wallace took to social media to share his pride in Rusty’s accomplishments, writing:
“My big brother is a bada** at (Bristol Motor Speedway).” —Kenny Wallace, Former NASCAR Driver
Rusty Wallace’s career includes an impressive tally of 55 Cup Series victories, earning him 12th place on NASCAR’s all-time wins list—just behind contemporary driver Denny Hamlin, who recently celebrated his 59th career triumph at World Wide Technology Raceway. Rusty clinched his only series championship in 1989 after competing alongside notable names like Dale Earnhardt Sr., showcasing both his competitiveness and consistency at the pinnacle of the sport.
Although Kenny Wallace did not claim a Cup Series win, he distinguished himself in the Busch Grand National Series, now known as the Xfinity Series, achieving nine victories while racing for several teams—one of which was managed by Rusty himself. Today, Kenny continues to contribute to the sport as a commentator and podcast host, co-leading the “Herm & Schrader” show with fellow ex-driver Ken Schrader. Through his ongoing media presence, he remains a recognized voice among NASCAR fans and the wider motorsports community.
The current NASCAR season adds further excitement at Bristol, where the upcoming night race will determine which four drivers‘ playoff aspirations will end as the Round of 16 concludes. Denny Hamlin and Chase Briscoe have already locked in their spots for the Round of 12 thanks to recent strong performances. In contrast, drivers Austin Dillon, Shane van Gisbergen, Alex Bowman, and Josh Berry are below the cutline, placing their playoff fates in question as the race approaches its climax.
Kenny Wallace Names His Top Contenders for the 2025 Championship
Looking ahead to the next NASCAR season, Kenny Wallace revealed his predicted frontrunners for the 2025 Cup Series championship. During a segment on his “Coffee with Kenny” show, he identified William Byron, Denny Hamlin, and Christopher Bell as his top choices, notably opting not to include multiple-race winner Kyle Larson.
“I’m going to go with William Byron, and here’s why, because William was so consistent all year long.” —Kenny Wallace, Former NASCAR Driver
“I’m going to go Denny Hamlin just because you got to. You got to. And then I’m going to go Danny Hamlin and I’m going to go, God, between Christopher Bell and Kyle Larson, I’m going to go Christopher Bell. There they are.” —Kenny Wallace, Former NASCAR Driver
Kenny’s selection of William Byron follows Byron’s back-to-back triumph at the Daytona 500 and his success in clinching the regular-season championship. His steady performance gave him an edge over his Hendrick Motorsports teammate, Chase Elliott, illustrating a season marked by resilience. Denny Hamlin, with five victories already this season—including a crucial win at World Wide Technology Raceway—is firmly positioned among the leading contenders.
Christopher Bell also made waves in the current NASCAR campaign, becoming the first driver in the modern era to secure three consecutive wins at different venues: Atlanta, Circuit of the Americas, and Phoenix. With sustained momentum, Byron, Hamlin, and Bell head into Bristol’s night race in strong playoff standing, clearly above the elimination threshold and well-placed for further postseason runs.
Kenny Wallace’s tribute to his brother Rusty at Bristol and his championship predictions for 2025 offer both a look back at legendary accomplishments and anticipation of future milestones. As Bristol Motor Speedway sets the stage for crucial playoff outcomes, NASCAR’s vibrant blend of legacy and new rivalries continues to captivate fans, ensuring these iconic races remain pivotal chapters in the sport’s evolving narrative.
