NASCAR is facing one of the most uncertain moments in its modern era, according to former driver and veteran analyst Kenny Wallace, who says panic is quietly spreading across the industry as a significant legal showdown threatens the sport’s very structure.
Kenny Wallace Thinks NASCAR’s Future Is at Stake
Speaking candidly on social media, Wallace described the sport’s current environment as “a dark day for NASCAR,” claiming that insiders from all corners of the garage have been calling him in fear of what comes next.
The anxiety stems from the ongoing antitrust lawsuit filed by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports against NASCAR, which could redefine the sport’s future.
Wallace said, “So here we are. This is a dark day for NASCAR. And it’s dark because everybody’s calling me right now. And I’m not bragging on myself – I’m just saying everybody’s starting to panic. ‘Are we going to Daytona next year? What happens if the judge says it’s monopolistic practices?’ In the worst scenario.”
“And I just read this from some of the other journalists in NASCAR, and they said worst scenario: NASCAR gets split up. What does that mean? How does that look?” Wallace asked.
The most alarming projection among journalists and insiders is a big divide. A legal ruling against NASCAR could lead to structural changes, a redistribution of power, or even the creation of a rival sanctioning body.
“I’m going to give my opinion. When you look at Formula 1, they’re owned by Liberty Media,” said Wallace. “When you look at NASCAR, they are my life. I want you all to know how much I love NASCAR. Now I’m getting ready to say something I don’t want to say, but I want you to know how much the France family means to me. I love the France family.”
Wallace, who has long expressed loyalty to the France family, made it clear that his criticism stems from his love for the sport.
“My point is this: those days are gone. There’s nobody in NASCAR scaring us like Big Bill and Bill Jr., and Mike Helton. They’re all gone. The guys that scared us – they’re gone,” he said.
“Some people can say it’s a dictatorship. I’m like, that’s a pretty strong word. That’s kind of like Julius Caesar, but it worked, because Big Bill, Bill Jr., and Mike Helton – they were men, and they scared the hell out of me.”
Wallace suggested that the sport’s rapid growth and billion-dollar business model may have surpassed the capacity of a single family to govern.
“NASCAR has got so big that it has outgrown them,” explained Wallace. “You look at Formula 1 – a media group owns them now. We’re dealing with $1 billion-a-year contracts. Is it time for NASCAR to sell to NBC? I mean, Fox bought a third of Roger Penske’s IndyCar. If Fox TV can buy a third of IndyCar, if Liberty Media Group can own Formula 1, has the sport of NASCAR got so big that it has passed NASCAR, the family?”
“I hope not,” added Wallace.
As teams, executives, broadcasters, and legal experts await the trial scheduled for December 1, Wallace warns that the stability NASCAR has enjoyed for decades is no longer guaranteed.