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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Keeping Pace

Kenny Wallace Heads Up to Montreal With a Few Fans Along for the Ride

 (The Spokesman-Review)
(The Spokesman-Review)

Kenny Wallace, who just turned 46 years old on the 23rd of August, will race the “Thank You Fans!” Chevy which is adorned with over 5,000 names of fans who have participated in a special one-time program.

Courtesy: NASCAR Media Relations

Charlotte, N.C.- This weekend’s NASCAR Nationwide Series event at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve marks a special occasion for Kenny “The Hermanator” Wallace, as the No. 28 Chevrolet Impala SS will sport its Wallace-designed “Thank You Fans!” livery at the 2.71-mile road course. 

The first in a series of upcoming milestones for Wallace, who just turned 46 years old on the 23rd of August, as the “Thank You Fans!” Chevy will be adorned with over 5,000 names of fans who have participated in a special one-time program.  Along with the “primary” sponsors, Shockwave Sign, JEGS, Impact Racing, UMP, IMCA, Macon Speedway, USMTS, Heitz Trucking Inc., HTI Logistics, Corey Renovations, and Valley Towing will be on-board the No. 28 as associate sponsors.

Originally founded online by Wallace’s Facebook and social networking community, the program has turned into one of the most successful fan-supported sponsorships in the history of NASCAR with each fan donating at least $20 to the cause.  “We’re absolutely overwhelmed by the response we’ve seen from this program,” said Wallace.  “We had our doubts in the beginning that we wouldn’t raise all the funds we needed, but the fans pulled through and we’re going to Montreal fully funded. It’s incredible.”

Fans who have participated and are not attending the race will have the opportunity to search for their names by logging onto kennywallace.com.  “Sponsors” can also still expect to receive an autographed photo of Wallace and the No. 28 Chevy after the event.

Having ran one previous race in last season’s event at the storied road course, starting in the 27th position and relegated to a 31st place finish after electrical issues, Wallace and his Jay Robinson Racing team have over 5,000 reasons to improve the result this time around.  “It’s almost business as usual for us in Montreal, we are going up there with a little more confidence now.  We really have the opportunity to run a first-class race and get into the top 10 in points.” 

“Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is a great track,” Added Wallace.  “Last year was my first time racing there, but, and even with the rain, I really enjoyed the rhythm and technical sections.

“I just want to say thank you to fans again who’ve made this one of the most memorable experiences of my career.  I have been truly humbled by it and I hope to give them one heck of a show up there.”

Fans can catch coverage of the 25th stop on NASCAR Nationwide Series event schedule by tuning in on August 30th to ESPN2 beginning at 2 p.m. EST



Keeping Pace

Motorsports correspondent Doug Pace keeps up with motorsports news and notes from around the region.