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via Imago

via Imago

Though many drivers are simply adored and loved by the fans, there are a few exceptional ones who can pick up the crowd with just their presence. Former NASCAR driver and veteran dirt racer Kenny Wallace is one of them. The 60-year-old driver looked more like a rockstar when he climbed out of his JEGS-partnered #36 dirt model to address the cheering home crowd that sang praise and danced to the driver’s tune.

Despite getting his day quite literally turned around in the final minutes of Castrol Gateway Dirt Nationals, Wallace, being Wallace, did not stoop down to cheap antics, calling out his competitor, but instead loved every bit of the action.

Dirt racing fanatic Kenny Wallace doesn’t budge even after the late bump and run

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Amidst NASCAR’s off-season, racing enthusiasts got their dose of entertainment with the iconic Dirt Nationals going down at Gateway Dome in St. Louis. The scene was electric at the short track, with fans being ecstatic and wearing their hearts on their sleeves to cheer their local hometown hero, Kenny Wallace.

Despite the late tangle that turned Kenny Wallace sideways, the home crowd was thrilled to hear their driver address them from the top of his car while they showered him with cheers. Even after the late-race incident, he, being the consummate professional, showed class when he refused to call out or trash his fellow competitor for his last-minute drama when the #24 driver bumped the veteran for a spin following the late restart after a caution. Noting in his “X” handle, the veteran posted a brief tweet that read, Hello everyone. This is part of short-track racing. I am NOT mad at anyone. I am happy that this place is ROCKING. Have fun tonight and Merry Christmas.”

With just 3 laps to go, Kenny Wallace in his #36 dirt model was gunning it, being just 2 spots behind the race leader, and looked like the old-timer was giving it a go until he was bumped from going into turn 2 for a spin. Following the race, “The Hermanator” cheerfully wished his fans a Merry and prosperous Christmas, noting that he wasn’t taking any of the late-drama seriously but instead felt like it was the name of the game.

WATCH THIS STORY: “Pay to Play” – Kenny Wallace’s stern warning to NASCAR drivers 

Wallace gets candid about racing on his home track

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It was loud as a rock arena, with the packed stands cheering for their hometown hero. Speaking to Floracing’s reporter before his highly anticipated run, Wallace shared his delight at racing in front of his home crowd. The proud St. Louis native said, “Well, it’s St. Louis, but you know Nelly put our little town on the map here and had some great rap songs, so yeah, you can find me in St. Louis. So we have fun with it.”

Kenny Wallace then relayed the obvious, sharing his excitement to be a part of the event, to race in his backyard. He said, “Always overly excited and I’ve to bring myself down, you know when I raced in NASCAR they made a big deal you know staying healthy and checking your blood pressure before the races.”

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“I always made a big deal out of staying calm so yeah it’s big just because you know it’s not even 20 minutes from my house. We got to Bush Stadium to watch our cardinal games and it’s just crazy that the whole dirt racing world comes right here to my stomping grounds and it feels weird you know because it’s right here in my backyard but love it, wouldn’t want it any other way,” said the veteran who was thrilled to be in the race car for him to put on a show for his fans.

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READ MORE: “Really Did Define Who I Am Today”- Unearthed Article on Kenny Wallace’s Rookie Season Prompts Heartfelt Message From the Veteran