Kenny Wallace achieved a major highlight in his dirt racing career by winning two championships and securing seven victories during his 2025 season, marking his strongest performance in nearly two decades of competition. The accomplished driver, known for his lasting impact in both NASCAR and dirt racing circles, showcased impressive consistency as he ran numerous UMP Modified and regional events, landing 24 top-three finishes, and further establishing the reach of his Kenny Wallace dirt racing achievements.
Wallace Adds New Honors to His Racing Legacy
This season, at age 62, Wallace advanced his list of accolades by earning more titles in the Missouri/Illinois regional circuit, adding to his collection that already included Bullring Championships at both the I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park and Brownstown Bullring. His tireless schedule placed him at the center of competition, capping the year with his 50th race—illustrating his enduring passion for the sport.
“It was my best year ever in DIRT racing. We won tonight and won two championships in 2025 . Thank you so much to everyone that has helped me. Tonight was my 50th race of the year. That’s all. It’s time for the holiday season 🏁”
— Kenny Wallace
Mark Martin Commends Wallace’s Determination
Wallace’s efforts drew praise from NASCAR Hall of Famer Mark Martin, who raced alongside Wallace for decades. Martin, reflecting on his time racing from the 1980s through the 2010s, sent words of encouragement to his former competitor.
“Congratulations to the old man with no pit crew [Kenny Wallace],”
— Mark Martin
Despite retiring from the major NASCAR circuits in the late 2010s, Wallace continued to compete and amass accolades at an impressive rate. His dirt track career now boasts 128 wins, complemented by six championships, including the notable 2012 UMP DIRTcar Summer National, three Missouri/Illinois Regional crowns, and a pair of I-55 Speedway championships.
“Dirt Racing saved my life and gave me something to do at the end of my NASCAR career. DIRT Racing kept me alive,”
— Kenny Wallace
Meanwhile, since stepping away from full-time racing after the 2013 NASCAR Cup season, Mark Martin has not returned to competition but remains an influential figure.
Mark Martin Finds New Purpose After Racing
After closing his own racing chapter, Martin has been open about the challenges of moving beyond the driver’s seat, exploring new avenues within the sport and beyond. His post-racing roles included joining Stewart-Haas Racing as a consultant, overseeing driver progress as a driver development coach for Roush Fenway Racing, and working with a dirt racing team in the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series. Martin later established successful ventures outside racing, including opening car dealerships and a power sports store in Arkansas.
In a recent collaboration, Martin and his son Matt showcased their engineering flair by giving Wallace a tour of custom motor coaches built with Newell Coaches, highlighting their shared enthusiasm for high-quality vehicles.
“After I retired, I didn’t really have any passion, and it took me a while to find some passion like I had about race cars,”
— Mark Martin
“I bring some things to the table and then together we build something that is just magnificent. After two years, I start thinking about building a new one. And there’s a waiting there’s a line for my old coaches,”
— Mark Martin
What Lies Ahead for Kenny Wallace and Dirt Racing
Kenny Wallace’s latest achievements further cement his reputation as one of the most resilient and passionate figures in the sport. As the holiday season approaches, Wallace’s commitment to dirt racing and his remarkable consistency throughout 2025 signal that his drive endures, promising more milestones ahead. With ongoing support from former competitors like Mark Martin and a track record of success at venues ranging from I-55 Raceway to the Brownstown Bullring, Wallace continues to inspire both current drivers and longtime fans of grassroots racing.
Congratulations to the old man with no pit crew @Kenny_Wallace https://t.co/VInJmOWwVW
— Mark Martin (@markmartin) November 9, 2025
