Rusty Wallace

Rusty Wallace (Russell William “Rusty” Wallace is a former American NASCAR racing driver. He made his NASCAR debut at Atlanta in 1980, driving the No. 16 Chevrolet for Roger Penske. Wallace finished second after qualifying seventh in his debut. He won the NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year in 1984 and the NASCAR Winston Cup Championship in 1989.

Rusty Wallace's Early Life

Before competing in NASCAR, Wallace used to race in Florida in local track championships, winning a pair of championships and 200 short track races. He won the United States Auto Club’s (USAC) Stock Car Rookie of the Year honors and finished third.

Rusty Wallace's Personal Life

Wallace is married to his wife Patti with whom he has three children - Greg, Katie, and Stephen. Wallace’s brothers, Kenny and Mike, also used to participate in NASCAR. His son Stephen debuted in the NASCAR Cup Series in the 2011 Daytona 500, making Stephen the fourth member of Wallace’s family to compete in the Daytona 500 and NASCAR. Stephen raced full-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series as well.

Rusty Wallace’s Family Background

Wallace was born on August 14, 1956, to parents Judy Wallace and Russell Wallace Sr. Wallace had two more siblings - Kenny and Mike.

Rusty Wallace’s Wife

Wallace married his wife Patti Wallace in 1980, the year when Wallace started his career in the NASCAR Cup Series. Together the duo have three children - Greg, Katie, and Stephan.

Rusty Wallace’s Social Media

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/rustywallace/?hl=en

X- https://twitter.com/rustywallace?lang=en

Rusty Wallace’s Net Worth

Wallace’s net worth is $40 million, as per Celebrity Net Worth. The Hall of Famer’s net worth usually comprises winnings and achievements from his career as a race car driver, his racing team- Rusty Wallace Racing, and his career as a broadcaster for ESPN and ABC. Wallace serves as Lead Analyst for MRN Radio- the Voice of NASCAR.

Rusty Wallace Brand Ambassador

Wallace has been a brand ambassador for many brands-

Callaway Golf - In 2003, Callaway Golf signed a multi-year deal with Wallace. As per the agreement, Wallace had to make promotional appearances on behalf of Callaway Golf.

Skechers - On November 23, 2021, Skechers announced through their website that they had recruited NASCAR Hall of Fame race car driver and broadcast analyst Rusty Wallace to help promote the men’s footwear featuring Goodyear Performance Outsoles.

Rusty Wallace Investments

Wallace has investments in several areas which include:

1. Rusty Wallace Automotive Group: It is a group of nine car dealerships in Eastern Tennessee whose principal stakeholder among other members is Wallace. The group sells brands like Ford, GMC, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Nissan, Toyota, and Kia.

2. Rusty Wallace, Inc (RWI): RWI operates in categories like retail automotive, auto racing, sports marketing, broadcasting services, and race track design.

3. MRN Radio: Wallace is the Lead Analyst for MRN Radio, also known as “The Voice of NASCAR”.

Other than this, Wallace has been involved in sports marketing and endorsements for brands like Skechers and Callaway Golf.

Rusty Wallace’s Career Stats

Wallace debuted in the Cup Series in 1980 at the Atlanta 500. Wallace has raced in 706 races over 25 years, winning 55 times, securing 349 top-10 finishes and 36 poles. In the Xfinity Series, Wallace debuted at the 1985 Goody’s 300 (Daytona). He has raced in 42 races over nine years in the Xfinity Series and has not secured 18 top-10s and two poles, unable to find a win. Wallace has won championships which include-

1. 1989 Winston Cup Series

2. 1991 IROC Championship

3. 1983 ASA Championship

Rusty Wallace’s NASCAR Records

Wallace is ranked seventh among those who have competed during the sport’s modern era (1972- present) and is ranked 11th among the all-time NASCAR Cup Series sinners, with 55 career points-paying victories.

Rusty Wallace’s Race Wins/Podium Finishes

Wallace has won a lot of races which include:

1. 1990 Coca-Cola 600

2. 1989 The Winston

3. 1998 Bud Shootout

4. 1988, 1989, 1993, 1994 Winston Cup Series in poles

5. 1988 Riverside International Raceway

6. 9 wins at Bristol Motor Speedway

7. 1993 Inaugural New Hampshire Motor Speedway

8. 7 wins at Martinsville Speedway

9. 6 wins at Richmond International Raceway

Rusty Wallace Contract

Wallace is currently the Lead Analyst for MRN Radio. However, Wallace retired from NASCAR after the 2005 season. His final race was at Martinsville Speedway in 2004.

Rusty Wallace Awards

Wallace was awarded many titles which include:

1. 188, 1993 Richard Petty Driver of the Year

2. 2005 NASCAR Illustrated Person of the Year Award recipient

3. 2005 Myers Brothers Award recipient

4. 2014 Inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America (NASCAR Hall of Fame)

Rusty Wallace House

Wallace lives at his house in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Rusty Wallace Cars

During his racing days, Wallace drove for different manufacturers like Chevrolet, Pontiac, Buick, Ford, and Dodge.