10 Questions with Rusty Wallace

Stockcarracing.com spoke with Rusty Wallace, the driver of the No. 2 Miller Lite Ford about everything from NASCAR’s need for a traveling safety crew to winning at California on Dale Earnhardt’s birthday.

stockcarracing.com: What did it mean to you to win in California on your friend, Dale Earnhardt’s birthday?

Rusty Wallace: "For me to win on his birthday, that was very special. That was for Dale and Teresa and the whole Earnhardt family. I hope they know I did that for ‘em because I really like ‘em a lot. Dale meant a lot to me and Patti. We went on a lot of vacations together, which was fun. We went down to the Bahamas a lot, and I knew him off the race track and not only on the race track."

SCR.com: For years you have been dominant on the short tracks, but struggled at times on the superspeedways. What has been the difference in the last few years, especially at Daytona and Talladega?

RW: "We have really concentrated on the restrictor plate motors over the past few years. I knew once we got that underneath us, we would be able to run up there in the front. My hats off to the guys at the shop. They really have worked their butts off trying to make us better and its paying off."

SCR.com: Which track is your least favorite, and why?

RW: "At one time I was quoted as saying I hated Talladega. I didn’t hate the track or the people or the fans down there...I hated our performance there. I’ve really grown to love the track because we have started running really good there. I can really enjoy the track and its atmosphere now."

SCR.com: You were quoted in Stock Car Racing as saying, "I go into a short track race just knowing I can win there." Do you feel the same way going into a road course race?

RW: "I really do. We have had such strong runs on the road course out in California that we are pumped everytime we go there. We’ve been really close the past couple times only to have some bad luck come up and bite us. I think we can win there."

SCR.com: You seem to be one of the few guys left who can build and drive a racecar. Do you think a driver who is not ‘hands on’ suffers when communicating to the crew what the car is doing and what might help it?

RW: "I really think that you have an advantage in communications when you can actually be hands on. But, at the same time, it doesn’t make you a bad race car driver if you don’t actually work on the car yourself."

SCR.com: What do you think about Penske Racing’s new hot shoe, Ryan Newman? Does he have what it takes to not only succeed, but to be a star on the Winston Cup level?

RW: "I think he is definitely going to be a star in Winston Cup, no doubt about that. He has been running super good in Grand National and ARCA. He’s going to be running some Winston Cup races this year and I think it’ll be a good learning experience for him. He’ll be great."

SCR.com: Is their one race in your career that really sticks out to you? Why?

RW: "The win at Bristol in April of 1993 because we won that race the same weekend Alan (Kulwicki) died. It was such an emotional weekend and to be able to win and dedicate that race to a good friend of mine was great."

SCR.com: Do you think NASCAR should have a dedicated traveling safety crew? If so, why? If not, why?

RW: "I think it’s a good idea. They are very efficient in CART. It might be something that they (NASCAR) need to look at. However, the crews in NASCAR are very efficient and always do a super job. But, I believe in the big picture it would just be more consistent."

SCR.com: In your estimation is the schedule too full right now, or can it be expanded to accommodate new tracks? How would you like to see the schedule structured?

RW: "I think it’s pretty full as it is now. I really don’t see any more room for new tracks in the schedule without having to go to maybe one race at certain tracks or eliminating tracks altogether. I know that there is a need for new tracks in new areas, but we also need to look at the strain it could put on the drivers and crews."

SCR.com: You have always had major sponsors on your cars. Do you think corporate America is going to continue to pony up tens of millions of dollars for sponsorship, or do you think more of them will follow the lead of Valvoline and actually become part owners in a team?

RW: "I feel like it will stay like it is now. Companies are getting more coverage this way. They’re seen everytime we go out on that track. It’s a good idea to be part owners in a team in one way but I really believe that their money is better spent the way it is now.