When we talk about NASCAR legends, the name Kenny Wallace inevitably pops up. The down-to-earth, warm, and friendly racing star has left an indelible mark on the world of motorsports. With a racing career spanning over three decades, Kenny has not only excelled on the track but has also become a beloved television personality. Now, we’ll take a look at Kenny Wallace’s life, from his humble beginnings to the impressive net worth he has amassed over the years.
Net Worth: $9 Million
Salary: –
Date of Birth: Aug 23, 1963
Place of Birth: St. Louis, Missouri
Gender: Male
Profession: Race Car Driver
Kenny Wallace Early Life
Kenneth Wallace, better known as Kenny, was born on August 23, 1963, in St. Louis, Missouri. The youngest of five siblings, Kenny was introduced to the world of racing at a tender age. His father, Russ Wallace, was a racecar driver himself and owned a successful auto parts store. Growing up in a household passionate about racing, it was only natural for Kenny and his brothers, Rusty and Mike, to follow in their father’s footsteps.
Kenny started his racing journey at a local level in the early 1980s. With the support of his family and undeniable talent, he quickly progressed through the ranks. In 1988, he earned the American Speed Association’s Rookie of the Year title, which caught the attention of car owners in the NASCAR Busch Series (now the Xfinity Series).
In 1989, Kenny made his debut in the NASCAR Busch Series, driving the #36 car for Dale Jarrett Racing. Despite being a newcomer to the series, Kenny proved his mettle by finishing in the top 10 in his first race. Over the next few years, Kenny solidified his reputation as a formidable competitor in the NASCAR Busch Series, earning the nickname “Herman” after the legendary racer, Herman Munster.
Kenny Wallace Personal Life
Kenny Wallace’s personal life has been as fulfilling as his professional journey. He married his high-school sweetheart, Kim, in 1984. The couple has been together for nearly four decades and has three daughters: Brooke, Brandy, and Brittany. Kenny’s commitment to his family is evident in his frequent social media posts, where he shares glimpses of his life off the track. Family plays a significant role in Kenny’s life, and he often credits their unwavering support for his success in racing and beyond.
The Wallace family’s love for racing runs deep, with Kenny’s brothers, Rusty and Mike, also carving out successful careers in NASCAR. Rusty Wallace, the eldest of the trio, is a NASCAR Hall of Famer and former Cup Series champion, while Mike has enjoyed a respectable career as a driver in the NASCAR Xfinity and Cup Series. The siblings have maintained a strong bond and continue to support each other in their professional and personal lives.
Kenny Wallace Career
Kenny Wallace’s career has spanned across various aspects of the motorsports industry. He began as a local short-track racer, eventually rising to prominence in the American Speed Association before making his way to the NASCAR national series. Throughout his career, Kenny participated in 344 NASCAR Cup Series races, 547 Xfinity Series races, and 13 Camping World Truck Series races.
While Kenny never won a race in the NASCAR Cup Series, he enjoyed considerable success in the Xfinity Series. He secured nine wins, 173 top-ten finishes, and ten poles over the years, establishing himself as a consistent and competitive driver. Despite not winning a championship, Kenny’s perseverance and talent garnered him a dedicated fanbase and the respect of his fellow drivers.
In addition to his success in NASCAR, Kenny also raced in dirt track events, a passion he continues to pursue even after retiring from full-time racing. His love for dirt track racing led him to establish the “Kenny Wallace Dirt Racing Experience,” where he shares his passion with fans and helps them experience the thrill of driving a dirt racecar.
After retiring from full-time racing in 2015, Kenny transitioned to a career in television broadcasting. He joined FOX Sports and the Speed Channel as an analyst and reporter, where he quickly became a fan favorite. Kenny’s deep knowledge of racing, combined with his relatable, witty, and humorous personality, made him a sought-after commentator and an integral part of the broadcasting team.
Kenny Wallace Net Worth
Kenny Wallace’s impressive career on the track, coupled with his ventures off it, has earned him a substantial net worth, estimated to be around $9 million as of 2023. His net worth can be attributed to a combination of his racing career, television appearances, and business ventures.
As a NASCAR driver, Kenny had an illustrious career, participating in over 900 races across the NASCAR Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and Camping World Truck Series. He boasts an impressive record of 9 wins, 173 top-ten finishes, and 10 poles in the Xfinity Series, where he primarily competed. Although he never won a championship, Kenny’s consistency and tenacity earned him a loyal fanbase and lucrative sponsorships, which contributed to his net worth.
Outside the racetrack, Kenny’s charismatic personality led him to become a popular television personality. After retiring from full-time racing in 2015, he transitioned to a broadcasting career, where he served as an analyst and reporter for FOX Sports and the Speed Channel. Kenny’s wit, humor, and deep understanding of racing have made him a fan favorite, earning him a steady income and increasing his overall net worth.
Kenny has also ventured into business, following in the footsteps of his father. He co-owns an auto parts store called “Kenny Wallace Dirt Racing Experience,” where customers can purchase racing parts and accessories. The store also offers a unique experience where fans can drive a real dirt racecar, adding a thrilling dimension to their shopping experience. This successful business venture has further contributed to Kenny’s net worth.
