NASCAR veteran Kenny Wallace has issued an emotional appeal to the sport. In a heartfelt plea, he urged leaders to reconnect with long-time fans who feel neglected by modern racing.
Joining Kevin Harvick on his podcast, Wallace sounded the alarm about a quiet but growing crisis in the sport. He explained how traditional NASCAR enthusiasts have started drifting away from top-tier racing. But what went so wrong that once devoted fans are now turning their backs on the sport?
Why Kenny Wallace Feels Modern NASCAR Has “Done Wrong” by Its Fans?
Speaking on the Happy Hour podcast, Wallace described a “societal shift” that has left many long-time enthusiasts feeling alienated by NASCAR’s top-tier events.
According to Wallace, this disengagement isn’t about a lack of competition or quality on the track; it’s about emotion, connection, and the small gestures that make fans feel valued. He argued that many supporters who once lived and breathed NASCAR now feel overlooked, as the sport has evolved.
Wallace explained, “First of all, it is what I call a societal shift. I see this when I go on the Kyle Petty Charity Ride. The Kyle Petty Charity Ride is made up of everybody that helps give money and raises money for the Victory Junction Gang Camp.”
“These are all older people, and they’re like, ‘Man, we love Richard Petty. We love Kyle. We love you, Herman (Kenny). Man, we just don’t watch them NASCAR races anymore,'” he added.
When host Harvick pressed Wallace on why top-level NASCAR racing has lost its legendary fanbase, Wallace acknowledged the problem, saying fans feel undervalued by the sport’s modern approach.
“I know this sounds crazy. Years ago, my brother Rusty, he’s still friends with Dick Pacer, who’s Rusty’s business partner. Dick would say, ‘Hey, give me a free hat.’ It’s just that simple. For some reason, the NASCAR fans feel like they were done wrong. Give them a free hat. Give them something to engage with, to love NASCAR again,” said Wallace.
He cited examples from the sport’s past when small gestures, like giving fans hats or any type of small token, helped build lifelong loyalty. Wallace believes reigniting that connection could be key to winning back fans who have drifted away, even though the sport remains highly competitive.
“[Ken] Schrader says it right. He says, ‘Well, you sure are missing some really good races.
They’re very competitive,’” Wallace added, highlighting that racing quality is not the reason loyal fans are feeling left out.
Wallace’s plea underscores a growing concern in NASCAR. So while races remain thrilling, the emotional connection with fans, built over decades, is gradually eroding, and NASCAR needs to act fast.