Racing icon Kenny “Herman” Wallace has spent decades fearlessly navigating treacherous conditions on NASCAR tracks. However, he found himself facing a different kind of danger as violent tornadoes ripped through his Missouri hometown. The beloved driver and FOX Sports analyst took to social media to reassure concerned fans after severe weather forced him to seek shelter, prompting an outpouring of support from the racing community.

As violent storms wreaked havoc across the Midwest this week, claiming at least one life in Cape Girardeau according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Wallace’s absence from social media triggered worry among racing fans. The Wallace family has long been synonymous with NASCAR resilience, from brother Rusty’s championship runs to Kenny’s own tenacious racing style. Still, this challenge came in a form no driving skill could outmaneuver.

“I owe it to all of you,” Wallace stated in a self-recorded video posted to social media as rain poured down around him. “You all been really good to me. You have asked me if I am safe. Yes! But boy, it has been getting too close for comfort around Arnold, Missouri here lately. I’ve never seen this before,” Wallace remarked, visibly shaken. “We were gone about 27 years to Charlotte, North Carolina, but I’ve never seen these tornadoes.”

Upon returning home, Wallace was greeted by Scott Crow from Crow Equipment, who drove from Jasonville, Indiana, only to be shocked by the destruction. “My god, what happened around here, Herman?” Crow reportedly asked, surveying the damage along Old Lee May Ferry Road. In a previous update, he had shared how he had sheltered with his dogs, tweeting “We are in the basement 😳“.

The tornado that concerned Wallace passed approximately five miles south of his property, sparing his home but not his peace of mind. The National Weather Service has confirmed at least 15 tornadoes touched down in Missouri in March alone, with an EF-3 tornado striking Jefferson City in April, causing an estimated $50 million in damage statewide. According to weather reports, some areas experienced an extraordinary as high as 15 inches through the weekend.

The situation became dire enough that Wallace, known for his “Coffee with Kenny” social media segments, was forced to take shelter as the storms intensified. “Everything got cancelled,” he reported, showing his race cars safely stored as torrential rain continued. The racing community, known for its tight-knit support system, quickly mobilized online to check on the beloved figure.

Fans usher support for Kenny Wallace, as his racetrack resilience is tested

Past incidents of severe weather conditions have already tested the racing world. Nashville Superspeedway endured serious tornado damage in 2020n and the 2011 Joplin tornado killed 161 people making it Missouri’s deadliest tornado in history. As Wallace and other residents brace for more potential storms, one fan offered practical advice: “Follow @MaxVelocityWX. He does a great job covering severe weather outbreaks, Live on his YouTube channel! Stay safe!“

Several experts predict the storm patterns in Missouri Tornado Alley could escalate because temperature increases might boost tornado activity rates in the region. Another fan related directly to Wallace’s experience: “I did the same thing in northern Indiana. 2nd time in a week. Thank God we are all good.” The current severe weather system has affected millions across a large swath of the United States.

In fact, the National Weather Service has warned of a “multi-day catastrophic and potentially historic” event producing “life-threatening” conditions. “My basement has become my best friend the last few weeks,” wrote one fan in response to Wallace’s update, capturing the shared experience of many Midwesterners during this outbreak.

By early Thursday morning, power was knocked out to more than 250,000 customers across eight states, according to PowerOutage.us. But one supporter chimed in with hope. “That coffee is going to taste extra yummy tmo morn. Fingers crossed for you, Herm!” they wrote, wishing him wellbeing for the next morning and referencing Wallace’s popular morning ritual.

For Wallace, whose racing career was built on navigating dangerous situations, this brush with nature’s fury serves as a reminder that sometimes the most important finish line is simply being home safe. Thoughts and prayers for Kenny and those affected by the natural disaster.