On a recent edition of his program, former driver and commentator Kenny Wallace directly addressed the ongoing concerns surrounding Kenny Wallace NASCAR ticket pricing, claiming that a shift in how tickets are sold has led to an exodus of loyal supporters. Wallace argued that the sport’s live attendance issues are rooted not just in cost, but in how ticket packages have been imposed on fans in recent years.
Wallace, speaking candidly on his show Coffee with Kenny, pointed to greed in NASCAR’s approach to ticket sales as a significant contributor to declining crowds. He noted that racetracks have employed varying sales strategies, which do not always cater to typical fan preferences, and often, these policies left fans paying for more than they wanted.
For example, Wallace explained that at certain tracks, fans are only able to purchase packages that cover three days of racing—Friday, Saturday, and Sunday—instead of having the option to buy a ticket for just the main event. This rigid structure forces even single-day attendees to shoulder the cost of an entire race weekend. Wallace contended that this discrepancy is particularly acute among dirt racing fans and those with limited time or budgets, who only wish to experience the main race but are penalized by being required to buy tickets for multiple days.
“They got greedy. They were so big that they would say, ‘Okay, you’ve got to buy one ticket for everything—you’ve got to show up Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.’ And the dirt racing fans are like, ‘Man, we just want to show up on Sunday.’ Some of the tracks were guilty of saying, ‘No, you’ve got to buy the Truck ticket on Friday, you’ve got to buy the Xfinity ticket on Saturday, and you’ve got to buy the Cup ticket on Sunday,’ and they just priced everybody out. So I’m going to end like this.” Wallace said. [4:50] – Kenny Wallace, former NASCAR driver and reporter
He went on to describe how the aggressive pricing model became increasingly distant from what the grassroots base of the sport actually wanted. According to Wallace, the result has been a disconnect between NASCAR and a significant portion of its long-time audience.
NASCAR Leans Into Dale Earnhardt’s Legacy in Daytona 500 Promotion
Wallace also weighed in on the promotional strategy for the 2026 Daytona 500, highlighting a new marketing campaign featuring seven-time champion Dale Earnhardt. Using Earnhardt’s persona, Wallace suggested, serves as a powerful tool to capture fan attention for one of the sport’s marquee events.
“Remember what I told you. The new @NASCAR “advertisement company” is going to start out with EARNHARRRDDDTT. And I am here for it, especially at a bar.” Wallace wrote on X. – Kenny Wallace, former NASCAR driver and reporter
Dale Earnhardt’s iconic status in NASCAR has been reinforced since his dramatic win at the Daytona 500 in 1998, which came after nineteen previous attempts. The influence of legends like Earnhardt remains strong, especially as NASCAR seeks to reignite passion among longtime supporters and attract new fans to its upcoming races.
The 2026 Daytona 500 is scheduled for February 15 at Daytona International Speedway, marking the start of a new NASCAR Cup Series season. This promotional focus on historic figures exemplifies NASCAR’s efforts to reconnect with its heritage as it seeks to recover lost ground with its core audience.
Implications for the Future of Live NASCAR Attendance
Kenny Wallace’s criticism highlights the tension between the business objectives of major sports organizations and the expectations of their fanbase. The debate over Kenny Wallace NASCAR ticket pricing reflects a broader sentiment among racing fans concerned about affordability and accessibility. As NASCAR moves forward, policy changes surrounding ticketing and an increased emphasis on iconic racers like Earnhardt may prove crucial for regaining and maintaining loyal viewership at events held at venues like Daytona International Speedway. The way in which NASCAR addresses these concerns could ultimately shape the landscape of fan engagement in seasons to come.
Remember what I told you.
The new @NASCAR “advertisement company” is going to start out with EARNHARRRDDDTT.
And I am here for it, especially at a bar🏁 https://t.co/ixsWfbow6o— Kenny Wallace (@Kenny_Wallace) December 27, 2025
