Rusty Wallace

For over 30 years, racing icon Rusty Wallace has captivated fans with his dynamic approach to racing and a vibrant persona that resonates well beyond the racetrack.

As a former NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion, Wallace has secured a storied place in American auto racing history, with an illustrious career that includes 55 Cup victories and recognition as one of NASCAR’s 50 greatest drivers. At the time of his retirement in 2005, Wallace was listed among the top five all-time money winners in NASCAR, with career earnings over $39 million. He also consistently demonstrated his skill by winning at least one race in 16 consecutive seasons in NASCAR's Sprint Cup Series, highlighting his sustained excellence in the sport.

Wallace's prowess isn’t confined to NASCAR; he also claimed the International Race of Champions (IROC) series title in 1991, showcasing his versatility by winning three of the series' four events in a single season—an unmatched achievement. His exceptional contributions to motorsports have earned him inductions into the NASCAR Hall of Fame, the International Motorsports Hall of Fame, and the National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA) Hall of Fame. Wallace's impact on the sport was further acknowledged with the NMPA Myers Brothers Award in 2005, celebrating his significant lifetime contributions to stock car racing, and he is a two-time recipient of the NMPA Driver of the Year award.

Following his active racing career, Wallace transitioned to broadcasting, serving as a Lead Auto Racing Analyst for ABC/ESPN. Not only did he lead the network's Indianapolis 500 broadcasts, but he also became a key figure on NASCAR Countdown, their popular pre-race show. His deep understanding of NASCAR's intricacies has established him as a leading authority in the field.

Beyond broadcasting, Wallace continues to influence the racing world as a team owner and business entrepreneur. His venture, Rusty Wallace Racing, has competed in both the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series. His role in designing the Iowa Speedway in 2005 marked him as the first driver in recent history to design a professional racing facility, which now hosts significant racing events, including those in the NASCAR Nationwide Series and IRL Indycar Series.

Active in charitable efforts as well, Wallace serves on the board of the NASCAR Foundation, focusing on fundraising for initiatives that support children.

While no longer competing, Wallace enjoys leisure time on the golf course and flying his Learjet 31A. An experienced pilot with over 15,000 flight hours, he lives near Charlotte, NC, with his wife, Patti, and their three children.