Kenny Wallace Achieves Best Finish in Two Years at NASCAR Nationwide Race

As the laps were winding down at the Memphis Motorsports Park, Kenny Wallace had pitted, taking on scuffed tires. Unfortunately, that was not a wise decision and his car, one of the few on the lead lap, started to slip back in the pack.

But fortune was shining on the "Hermanator" and another caution flew. Kenny was able to come back down pit road to put on the final set of sticker tires to complete the race.

With an exciting green-white-checker finish, Kenny Wallace achieved his best finish since July 2006. He took the checkered flag in third place, right behind race winner Carl Edwards and second place David Reutimann.

While Edwards was back flipping and Reutimann was drowning his sorrows, the "mouth" of NASCAR was ecstatic. Wallace praised his team owner Jay Robinson and, of course, took full opportunity to plug the team's newest sponsor, the United States Border Patrol.

Kenny said that Robinson had approached him to drive the No. 28 Chevy to do just what he did today, "hop up the team." Wallace alluded there was a story to be shared about this team and how their success came about.

Although he was not willing to elaborate, a characteristic highly unusual for this outspoken Wallace, Kenny did share that this team had been working hard. In fact, they had tested twice before bringing this car to the track.

Wallace, the youngest of the three Wallace racing brothers, has had to fight hard for his success. At 45 years of age, Kenny has to constantly prove himself against the young, up-and-coming NASCAR drivers.

Kenny began his career in September 1988, when the legendary Dale Earnardt Sr. gave him the seat for his first-ever NASCAR start. He did Earnhardt proud by finishing in the 11th spot in the then Busch series race at Martinsville Speedway.

Since then, Wallace has been the journeyman racer, often driving with unsponsored, underfunded teams in the sport. He has driven primarily in the Cup series but has recently concentrated more in the Nationwide series.

In January 2008, Wallace announced that he had signed a one-year deal to driver for Fitz Motorsports in the Nationwide series. He was sponsored by Shark Energy Drink in this endeavor.

Unfortunately, Kenny and the No. 36 Shark Energy Drink team parted ways in March 2008. Shortly thereafter, Wallace announced that he would drive the No. 28 United States Border Patrol Chevrolet for Jay Robinson Racing.

While Wallace has over 400 Nationwide Series starts, none could be sweeter than this start, and the third place finish, in Memphis this afternoon. 

And most likely, Wallace will still be celebrating this latest triumph with co-hosts Jimmy Spencer and John Roberts when he takes the stage on the Speed Channel's NASCAR RaceDay program on Sunday. 

We can't wait to hear all about it!