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October 01, 2008
Is Rusty Wallace Making A Comeback?
By Mark Young
OK, this has got to be the biggest practical joke in NASCAR this year. I have read in two different locations on the Internet that Rusty Wallace is considering making a comeback in 2009 and drive for DEI. Now I know that DEI has had a very bad week in losing the U.S. Army as the sponsor for the #8 car, along with the announcement that Paul Menard and his literal sugar Daddy are leaving for Yates Racing, but I didn’t think things were bad enough to bring Rusty out of retirement.
We all know that Rusty has been bad in the TV booth for ESPN this season, the addition of Dale Jarrett has relegated him to a part-time exposure status from the pit-side booth. As brother Kenny mentioned in his blog on SPEED TV’s website, Rusty is also fired up at Mark Martin’s recent success this season in a very limited schedule. He went on to say that Rusty would do well in the COT, not sure about that one either but hey he couldn’t be worse than several other drivers that come to mind.
Here is a crazy thought. What if Rusty was looking at the mentor/driver role Mark Martin has done the past couple of years and is considering this as a way to get his son Steven into the Cup Series? DEI needs a sponsor, Rusty has a couple in his Nationwide teams that Steven and David Stremme (soon to drive the #12 replacing Newman) drive. Could Rusty be offering his sponsors and driving services in return for his son getting a chance to drive at the Cup level?
We will soon find out my friends, what do you think?
October 1, 2008 | Permalink
Comments
I think it would be cool.Not a big fan,but at least the guy has some fire and personality.Nascar needs some more of that.I think he could get the job done in good equipment,but hell good equipment makes up for lack of driver talent.So with his talent,and I'm sure he would have a learning curve,and good equipment who knows?But if he leaves the booth and tries racing again,not sure he would have much of another top TV job opportunity.Knowing Kenny though,this is just hype!I welcome it if it is true...........
Posted by: DJ | Oct 1, 2008 10:25:37 AM
I'm old-fashioned enough to wish that folks would announce their retirements and then retire. That being said, it's up to him, the owners, and the sponsors. Side thoughts: too bad about DEI losing Menard and his sponsorship. DEI IS Dale Earnhardt Inc., a name that should not fade from our minds for a while yet.
And speaking of announcers, has anyone noticed how very quiet this blog has been on announcing of late? Since ABC took over, there have been no rants about the coverage. Rusty is back, but lower-profile. DJ continues to improve, while Petree and - yes - Daugherty continue to impress with their low-key styles. Seems to me that the highest praise we ever give around here is to say nothing.
Posted by: Doug in CA | Oct 1, 2008 10:34:47 AM
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