Kenny Wallace makes definite statement about “old and miserable” NASCAR fans

Kenny Wallace, a former racecar driver and outspoken commentator, recently responded to the criticism that a group he calls "old and miserable" fans have directed at NASCAR. Wallace believes 75% of the fans are happy with the sport's functioning, while the other 25% will never be happy.

Wallace enjoyed a long and storied career as a driver in NASCAR, and has become a popular commentator and podcaster since retirement. Wallace won the Busch Series Rookie of the Year award in 1981, and registered nine wins in 547 starts in the series. He also ran 344 races in the Cup Series.

Wallace first questioned on X when some NASCAR fans would "quit talking about the old days". In response, a fan wrote:

"When will the brass stop ignoring what a large majority of fans want?"

Wallace responded by writing:

"75% of @NASCAR fans are happy. 25% will NEVER be happy because they are old and miserable"

Expand Tweet

Wallace retired from full-time racing in 2015 and moved to a successful broadcasting career, becoming a household name for FOX Sports as well as a well-known and loved personality on social media. He has been an excellent ambassador for NASCAR and the sport of auto racing, both on and off the track.

Kenny Wallace shared his take on NASCAR's surging TV viewership

Kenny Wallace, a veteran NASCAR driver and commentator, recently addressed the changing landscape of NASCAR, highlighting that the sport is no longer as reliant on packed grandstands as it once was. He pointed out that even though thousands of fans still attend races, the shift in media consumption means NASCAR doesn’t need full grandstands to thrive.

The 61-year-old attributed this change to NASCAR’s lucrative new media deal, reportedly worth $7.7 billion, with networks like FOX, NBC, Amazon, and TNT Sports, which allows fans to watch from home, and has led to a reduction in the number of races aired by traditional broadcasters.

“NASCAR is not as big as it used to be. They have half the grandstands. But now what? Because now TV is paying more money, we don't need you in the grandstands anymore. Because you're staying home and you're watching it on TV; that's the new societal shift that I'm talking about,” Kenny Wallace said in a video shared on his YouTube channel.

Kenny Wallace emphasized that this societal shift—fans choosing to watch races on TV rather than in person—has fundamentally altered the sport’s business model. He candidly told fans that NASCAR is “not as big as it used to be” and noted that “they have half the grandstands”, but argued this is no longer a problem because television revenue now plays a much larger role in the sport’s financial health.

About the author

Born and raised in Pune, India, where a strong emphasis on education instilled in me a lifelong love of learning. My academic journey led me to Amity University in Noida, where I earned my Bachelor's degree in Mass Communication. This foundation in communication arts ignited a passion for storytelling and a keen understanding of audience engagement.

The allure of cinematic storytelling further captivated me, prompting me to pursue a Master's degree in Filmmaking from the prestigious University of Glasgow. This enriching experience honed my critical thinking and analytical skills, enabling me to dissect narratives, understand the nuances of performance, and craft compelling narratives of my own. During my time in Glasgow, I honed my writing skills as a contributor to the university newsletter, covering a diverse range of topics from local sporting events to film screenings and reviews. This experience cultivated my ability to research, analyze, and articulate my thoughts in a clear and engaging manner.

My interests extend beyond the world of film, encompassing a diverse spectrum of sporting passions. From the exhilarating world of Formula 1 to the thrilling spectacle of NASCAR, I find myself captivated by the raw power, strategic brilliance, and human drama that unfold on the racetrack. My passion for sports, coupled with my deep understanding of storytelling, provides a unique perspective that I aim to bring to my writing about NASCAR.

I am eager to share my insights and passion for this exhilarating sport with a wider audience. My background in film, coupled with my experience as a writer and my deep-seated love for competition, equips me to craft compelling narratives that capture the essence of NASCAR – the speed, the strategy, the human element, and the sheer thrill of the race.

Know More

Get the latest NASCAR All-Star race news, Xfinity Series updates, breaking news, rumors, and today’s top stories with the latest news on NASCAR.

Edited by Tushar Bahl