Kenny Wallace isn’t just a well-respected host; he’s a bona fide NASCAR legend, especially for his exploits in the Xfinity series. His NASCAR journey, spanning over a quarter of a century, boasts nine victories, all clinched in the Xfinity Series. Though he waved goodbye to NASCAR competition in 2015, after a run that began in 1988, Wallace hasn’t hung up his racing gloves just yet. He’s still out there, tearing up local dirt tracks nationwide as a pastime.

In a heart-to-heart with Rick Mast, Wallace opened up about the profound impact others have had on his life. He confessed that a single piece of advice from Mast was a game-changer, literally transforming his life. Kenny even went so far as to say that Mast, in a way, was his lifesaver.

Rick Mast’s cool-headed advice was a key to Kenny Wallace’s success

Kenny Wallace once shared a heart-to-heart chat with Rick Mast, recently revealing how Mast’s sage advice then was a game-changer in his early NASCAR racing days. Wallace used to be a bit of a hothead, full of energy and aggression. But then, Rick Mast stepped in with some wisdom that turned things around.

Kenny reminisced, “You don’t know this, but you saved my life. As you know, I can’t help it, but I was born hyper the whole deal. So, I’m at Dover. And, you and I are sitting on pit wall 1989, 1990, 1991, somewhere there. And you looked at me. And you said, do you plan on racing for a long time? And I said, “Yes.” And you said, “Kenny, you gotta calm down.“”

He continued, “You might not remember it that but I remember it like yesterday. I was probably venting to you that my car wasn’t doing this… I look up to you because I think you’re awesome.”

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But let’s not forget, it takes more than just good advice to make it big. Putting that advice into action played a crucial role in Wallace’s NASCAR journey. Besides Rick Mast’s guidance, another cornerstone in Wallace’s career was his big brother, Rusty Wallace. Their combined influence helped shape Kenny Wallace into the racer and person he is today.

Kenny Wallace credits a big break in NASCAR to his brother Rusty Wallace

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Kenny Wallace often reminisces about how his brother Rusty was a big name in the racing world back in the day. His journey in NASCAR got a turbo boost when he landed a gig as a crew member on Joe Ruttman’s Levi Garrett NASCAR Cup Series car. He even ended up as the crew chief! Kenny fondly recalls, “I would be a crewmember on Joe Ruttman‘s Levi Garrett NASCAR Cup series car ( I ended up being the crew chief) and brother, Rusty would drive the number 88 Gatorade car for Cliff Stewart in the NASCAR CUP series, a dream come true for both of us.”

But the real turning point came in November 1988. Kenny got a call from Rusty that the former says changed his life and their family’s destiny. He couldn’t believe his ears when Rusty reached out with an opportunity, and he jumped at the chance without a second thought. 

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This was the story of how in 1989, Kenny hit the track full-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series driving a car owned by Rusty. He made a splash, finishing sixth in the driver’s standings. It was a big moment for both brothers, a true family affair in the fast lane.