Wallace Endures Problem After Problem to Finish 24th

Kenny Wallace

(KANSAS CITY, KS) – We’re not in Kansas anymore… the popular movie quote is one phrase that the AutoZone team can identify with after a tough weekend on track at Kansas Speedway. The old saying “when it rains it pours” definitely proved to be true on Saturday, as the AutoZone team encountered numerous problems throughout the United Way 300 presented by Yellow Transportation and Sprint.

“Luck was definitely not on our side today,” a disappointed Kenny Wallace said. “It seemed like every time that our AutoZone team overcame one problem, something else would happen. Wes Ward and the guys worked on the car all day, but we never could seem to get a handle on it. It was definitely a frustrating day, but I am proud of my AutoZone team for helping me salvage a 24th place finish out of a tough day. ”

The first problem of the day came early on lap 34 when Wallace reported that there might be a problem with the ignition box. Crew chief Wes Ward instructed Wallace to switch to the back-up ignition to try and remedy the problem. While battling tight handling conditions throughout the race, Wallace would go one-lap down to the leaders twice, but managed to battle his was back on to the lead lap by being the recipient of the “lucky dog” award.

“I had a new spotter this weekend and Matt really did a good job to help me get in position to be the lucky dog both times,” Wallace said. “It’s frustrating to have to rely on that rule to get back on the lead lap, but sometimes you have to use it to race smart and use it to your advantage, especially when you’re trying to race for points.”

Later in the race on lap 159, Wallace brought the #22 AutoZone Ford down pit road for an unscheduled 4-tire stop due to a loose left rear wheel. The next problem came under caution on lap 179 when the car stalled coming down pit road and the AutoZone crew was forced to change the battery in order to get the #22 back under power to finish the race.

“This AutoZone team encountered problem after problem today, but we continued to pull together to try and get as many points as we possibly could,” Wallace explained. “This AutoZone Ford hasn’t run this badly all season, so to be able get out of here with a top-25 finish and the car in one piece is an accomplishment in itself. We are definitely looking forwarding to putting these problems behind us and getting back on track next weekend in Charlotte.”

For NASCAR teams, racing at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Charlotte, North Carolina is like playing a home game in any other sport. Unfortunately, since so many teams make their home in Charlotte, there really is no home field advantage, but there are definitely bragging rights at stake. Live coverage of the Dollar General 300 begins this Friday night, October 14 at 8:00 p.m. ET on TNT.