During the current NASCAR offseason, former driver Kenny Wallace has been vocal about the direction of the sport, citing both its shortcomings and hopeful signs of progress. Speaking the day after Christmas, Wallace highlighted some significant decisions by NASCAR leadership over the past three decades, outlining mistakes while expressing optimism that efforts are underway to address them. The discussion fits into Wallace’s longstanding reputation for candid, passionate commentary regarding NASCAR, adding important perspective during a period of reflection for the sport.
Errors Identified by Wallace and NASCAR’s Response
Wallace pointed to two major issues: NASCAR’s focus on increasing the number of mile-and-a-half racetracks at the expense of more traditional venues like Rockingham and North Wilkesboro, and policies that forced fans to purchase full weekend ticket packages instead of offering single-day options. While the latter may be less of a problem today, Wallace believes the first remains a critical concern for fans and the sport’s heritage.
He offered measured criticism, emphasizing that NASCAR’s current leadership is attempting to mend the rift with its fanbase and reconsider business decisions that may have hurt the sport’s popularity in recent years. Wallace’s observations reflect a blend of disappointment in the past and optimism for meaningful change ahead, reinforcing his commitment to the well-being of NASCAR as both a sport and a community.
“I know for a fact that NASCAR is all hands on deck,”
Kenny Wallace said on his Coffee with Kenny show.
“They are going to make it right. This does make me happy. They realize what happened, and now it took them a while, and they definitely made some decisions that were not the way to go, let’s put it that way. It’s easy for all of us to look back and go, yeah, we shouldn’t have done that.”
– Kenny Wallace, former NASCAR driver and commentator
Leadership’s Humbling and Moving Forward
Continuing his remarks, Wallace observed that the organization has learned from its missteps and is listening to fan concerns. He specifically noted that NASCAR intends to embark on a tour in 2026, which Wallace believes signals a genuine commitment to making amends with longstanding supporters.
“They did a lot of wrong things, but I do know they have been humbled mightily,”
Wallace continued.
“NASCAR has been humbled mightily. And I know for a fact they hear y’all. They are going to go on tour in 2026, and they’re going to make it right.”
– Kenny Wallace, former NASCAR driver and commentator
Initiatives to Reconnect with Fans and Building for the Future
Wallace also mentioned that NASCAR has hired a new media company to revitalize fan engagement and help the sport regain its previous excitement. He expressed a willingness to contribute to these efforts himself, highlighting the importance of restoring NASCAR’s reputation and reconnecting with its core supporters.
“Now, I know they did hire, if you remember, I cracked a joke, they hired this new media company to bring that rally cry back. … At first, I thought, well, that sounds funny. They could have called me up, I would have helped them. I will help them this year. If NASCAR calls me, I will help them. … We gotta repair NASCAR, and we gotta get back.”
– Kenny Wallace, former NASCAR driver and commentator
Despite his criticisms, Wallace’s loyalty to stock car racing and NASCAR remains clear. He maintains hope that recent actions from the governing body, including the upcoming “apology tour” and new fan outreach efforts, indicate a meaningful shift that could reestablish stronger connections between NASCAR and its traditional supporters.
What These Developments Could Mean for NASCAR
Kenny Wallace’s NASCAR opinions carry weight due to his experience as a driver and commentator, and his critiques highlight key challenges that have shaped NASCAR over the past thirty years. As leadership implements new strategies and plans outreach efforts like the proposed 2026 tour, industry observers will be watching to see if NASCAR’s humility translates into lasting improvements. With Wallace and fans alike calling for renewal, the next chapter for NASCAR may be shaped by both lesson and legacy, striving to balance innovation and tradition in the years ahead.
“Coffee with Kenny”@NASCAR made some mistakes.
NOW it’s time to fix it.
MY OPINION 🏁 pic.twitter.com/4eVTv25rsE— Kenny Wallace (@Kenny_Wallace) December 26, 2025
