Spotlight on Steve Wallace
Young wheelman Steve Wallace, 21 – the son of one of NASCAR’s winnigest drivers, Rusty Wallace – is returning for his third year as pilot of his father’s No. 66 Chevy Nationwide Series car. The third generation driver began racing full time in 2007, winning his first career Nationwide Series pole at the Bristol Motor Speedway and his second pole at the Nashville Superspeedway. He holds the title of youngest winner of America’s premier short-track race, the Snowball Derby in Pensacola, Fla., which he won at 17.
5-Hour Energy brand also is continuing into its second season as primary sponsor of Rusty Wallace Racing’s No. 66 Chevrolet in 10 NASCAR Nationwide Series events this year, beginning with the March 21 race at Bristol Motor Speedway. Additionally, 5-Hour Energy will serve as an associate sponsor on the No. 66 for the remainder of the 2009 Nationwide Series schedule.
The Mooresville, N.C.-based Rusty Wallace Racing is a professional auto racing team steeped in the legendary history of its founder. Steve, known as one of racing’s most energetic young drivers, carries on the family tradition of his father and uncles, NASCAR drivers Kenny Wallace and Mike Wallace.
Steve recently took time to answer questions about his budding career.
Q: Do you remember the first race you attended with your dad?
A: 1989 Atlanta Journal 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway – he won the NASCAR Winston Cup Championship that year.
Q: Did you know at an early age you wanted to make a living racing?
A: As far back as I can remember I loved everything about racing. I grew up loving to drive and working on cars.
Q: What is your favorite racing memory so far?
A: There have been lots of high points, but winning the Snowball Derby, in Pensacola, Fla., in 2004 really stands out.
Q: Do have a timetable of when you’d like to move up to the Cup series full time?
A: No, I’m not going to rush into it. I will go when I am ready.
Q: What is your favorite Nationwide Series event?
A: Bristol Motor Speedway night race
Q: What other hobbies do you enjoy outside of racing?
A: I enjoy fishing, motocross riding and remote control racing.
Q: When is your favorite time to use 5-Hour Energy products?
A: I like to take it right before a race. I depend on it to keep me focused from the green flag to the checkered. I like how alert I feel.
