Kenny Wallace has declared that NASCAR is in “repair mode” following a period marked by significant turmoil in 2025, including lawsuits over charters and widespread criticism of the playoff system. The sport’s leadership responded with major structural changes, starting with the high-profile resignation of commissioner Steve Phelps, all aimed at rebuilding trust and improving the racing experience for fans.
The year 2025 proved tumultuous in NASCAR history. A wave of controversy, including contentious decisions over how teams gain and maintain charters amid legal battles, as well as ongoing dissatisfaction over the playoff format, led to widespread calls for reform from fans and industry insiders. In an attempt to address these issues, leading officials initiated changes, with Steve Phelps stepping down from his commissioner post.
Former NASCAR driver Kenny Wallace, who now runs Kenny Wallace Media, took to his YouTube channel to speak frankly about this turning point for NASCAR. Wallace described the current moment as one where NASCAR is aiming to correct past mistakes and signal a new direction for the organization.
“NASCAR is in repair mode. Everything is going in the right direction… You got three things that NASCAR is doing to make you happy…Number one, the new Hell Yeah commercial… Number two, Phelps is gone. Number three, the new championship format. That’s three things… It’s January 9th.”
– Kenny Wallace, via his YouTube channel
New Leadership and Policy Initiatives Set the Tone for Recovery
Wallace underscored three decisions that he sees as vital to NASCAR’s recovery: the debut of a new marketing campaign dubbed the “Hell Yeah” commercial, the change in leadership with Phelps’ resignation, and a soon-to-be-announced overhaul of the championship format. These moves, Wallace maintains, are designed to reassure fans and demonstrate that leadership is receptive to their feedback.
He stressed that such swift action early in the year shows a willingness within NASCAR to reevaluate its approach and listen to the community. The focus now is on implementing adjustments that reflect both internal realities and fan perspectives, with officials acknowledging past missteps and seeking to earn back public trust.
“We’re 9 days into the new year, and NASCAR’s already announced three things. That’s how big of a change this year is going to be… Do you see what NASCAR is trying to do?… They’re trying to make things right. They messed up. They messed up, and they know that. But I’m excited that they’re trying to make it right,”
– Kenny Wallace
Kenny Wallace Criticizes Pricing and Greed Within the Sport
In a separate segment on his channel, Kenny Wallace addressed another contentious aspect: ticket pricing. He argued that NASCAR’s previous strategy, which required fans to purchase one ticket for the entire race weekend—Friday through Sunday—was alienating its base. According to Wallace, there needs to be a fairer policy that lets fans choose which events to attend without overspending.
“They got greedy. You had to buy one ticket for everything. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and the fans are like, ‘Man, we just want to show up Sunday. They made a lot of money, but they spent too much money. There’s got to be a balance.”
– Kenny Wallace
Wallace’s comments reflect broader discontent among longtime supporters, who feel that high prices and inflexible ticket policies contributed to emptier stands. He suggests that the leadership’s acknowledgment of these failures, alongside concrete steps to improve, is a sign of newfound humility within NASCAR’s executive ranks.
NASCAR to Launch Outreach and Rebuild Fandom
Wallace also claimed that lower attendance figures have forced the organization to confront the consequences of its choices. Looking ahead, he revealed that NASCAR is planning a comprehensive outreach tour in 2026, aiming to restore its relationship with loyal fans by addressing their concerns more openly and transparently. He emphasized his own readiness to assist if called upon, stating his belief that this effort is essential to truly repair the sport’s reputation.
“They have been humbled mightily, he said, adding, 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 gonna make it right. If NASCAR calls me, I will help them. We’ve got to repair NASCAR.”
– Kenny Wallace
The intention, according to Wallace, is to mount a campaign that not only repairs the organization’s image through public relations but also genuinely addresses the grievances of dedicated NASCAR followers. This includes equitable ticket practices, improved fan engagement, and a transparent approach to policy changes.
Industry Reactions and Future Prospects
The wider NASCAR community, including figures like veteran driver Mark Martin and others invested in the sport’s future, are reportedly watching these developments closely. Wallace himself, reflecting the mood among many insiders, appears encouraged by current efforts and willing to stand behind further reforms.
As the 2026 season draws nearer, NASCAR’s leadership faces significant pressure to prove that the changes underway are more than just symbolic gestures. The next phases will test whether these reforms—ranging from marketing to management and race structure—will convince both long-term fans and newcomers that the sport is truly entering a new era of integrity, balance, and responsiveness. The coming months will reveal if the declared “repair mode” is enough to restore the trust and excitement that are crucial to NASCAR’s continued relevance.
