Kenny Wallace has raised new concerns about the changing landscape of NASCAR drivers, suggesting that the current crop of racers lacks some of the dynamic presence seen in previous generations. Voicing his views during his active presence in motorsports commentary, Wallace’s thoughts bring the Kenny Wallace NASCAR concerns into the spotlight as the sport’s fanbase and competitive field evolve.
Comparisons Between Past and Present NASCAR Drivers
Wallace, who began his NASCAR career in the late 1980s, competed at a time when legends such as Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt Sr. defined the sport with their records and charisma. Despite not securing a victory in the Cup Series, Wallace found his own success in the Xfinity Series, racking up nine wins and cementing his place as a respected competitor.
Today, Wallace, now 62, continues to play a significant role in NASCAR culture. Through co-hosting the “Herm & Schrader” podcast with Ken Schrader and posting candid opinions on social media, he maintains a vocal presence. His “Coffee with Kenny” series has become a favored venue for him to discuss the broader shifts he sees in the sport.
Wallace did not shy away from voicing his reservations about the current crop of NASCAR drivers, posting:
“Here is a real problem with (NASCAR). There’s more talk about the good ole days than there are about drivers today.”
While offering this frank assessment, Wallace did not elaborate with deeper detail about the present-day drivers or specific issues. Yet, the current field is far from lacking in star appeal. Chase Elliott’s ongoing streak as fan favorite, securing the Most Popular Driver award without interruption since 2018, is one example of enduring popularity among today’s drivers.
Kyle Busch has set himself apart with 232 total wins across NASCAR’s main series, making him the most prolific winner in history. Meanwhile, Joey Logano’s achievements include three Cup Series championships, a claim only nine other drivers have matched, demonstrating that the roster still features accomplished and recognizable talents.
Kenny Wallace’s Predictions for the 2025 NASCAR Championship
Wallace recently named his three favorites to seize this season’s NASCAR Cup Series championship title. His picks—William Byron, Denny Hamlin, and Christopher Bell—reflect his view of the drivers who have stood out with their performance and resilience throughout the year.
Explaining his choices during his “Coffee with Kenny” segment, Wallace highlighted Byron’s consistency on the racetrack, Hamlin’s necessity as a formidable contender, and Bell’s breakthrough performances. He stated:
“I’m going to go with William Byron, and here’s why: because William was so consistent all year long. I mean, he had a lot more races, one than he won, but got beat […] So I’m going to go William Byron.”
“I’m going to go Denny Hamlin just because… you got to. You got to. And then I’m going to go… God, between Christopher Bell and Kyle Larson, I’m going to go Christopher Bell. There they are,” Kenny Wallace added.
This season, William Byron started strong, becoming the youngest competitor to secure more than one Daytona 500 win. His efforts paid off with a regular-season championship, overcoming rivals like Chase Elliott and Denny Hamlin. Hamlin, piloting the Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota with car number 11, leads all Cup Series drivers in victories for the current season, surpassing even standout road specialist Shane van Gisbergen. Christopher Bell’s stunning three-win streak at Atlanta, Circuit of the Americas, and Phoenix also set him apart, marking the first such achievement in the Next-Gen era.
What These Developments Mean for NASCAR’s Future
Wallace’s criticism reflects an emotional attachment shared by many long-term fans who look back at earlier NASCAR eras with nostalgia. However, today’s drivers continue to break records and inspire large fan followings, showing that the sport maintains a strong core of talented competitors who are writing their own chapters in racing history.
As figures like Kenny Wallace continue to bring attention to the evolution of NASCAR, discussions about tradition versus current performance remain vivid among followers of the sport. Whether Wallace’s predictions and concerns spark changes or further debate, the conversation around NASCAR’s roster—and its vibrant mix of past and present players—shows no signs of slowing down.
