Getty
Kenny Wallace has added another race to his schedule.
Kenny Wallace has spoken openly about NASCAR’s direction during a period marked by internal strain and criticism. His comments focus on leadership and the need for people who understand both the sport’s past and its business side.
According to Khushal Bhatia of Slicks and Sticks, Wallace said NASCAR needs renewed leadership after the recent turmoil that has unsettled teams and fans. Wallace did not accuse current executives or point to a single event. Instead, he focused on what has already played out and what kind of experience could help the sport stabilize.
He pointed to Kelley Earnhardt Miller and Mark Martin as examples of people with the background to understand NASCAR’s problems and the credibility to address them. His remarks were based on their careers, not rumors about future job changes.
Kenny Wallace on Kelley Earnhardt Miller’s leadership background
Wallace highlighted Kelley Earnhardt Miller’s experience as a major reason her name came up. According to Khushal Bhatia of Slicks and Sticks, Wallace described Miller as someone with “sharp analytical skills” developed through years of managing race teams, handling sponsorship deals, and leading employees. As a co-owner of JR Motorsports, she has overseen operations that involve constant pressure, tight deadlines, and high financial stakes.
Wallace said those skills could transfer to NASCAR leadership. He pointed to her ability to manage people and navigate complex agreements as key strengths. He also noted that her long exposure to racing gives her an understanding of how decisions affect teams and drivers.
At the same time, Wallace raised concerns about the role itself. Miller could be “overqualified” for a top NASCAR position. He added that constant involvement in NASCAR’s internal power struggles could reduce her interest over time. His comments reflected concern about the job’s demands rather than her ability to do it.
Mark Martin’s early view of NASCAR’s direction
Wallace also spoke about Mark Martin’s background and perspective. According to Khushal Bhatia of Slicks and Sticks, Wallace said Martin grew up around business because his father, Julian Martin, ran a trucking operation. That exposure gave Martin early insight into management, logistics, and decision-making, which Wallace believes applies to motorsports leadership.
Wallace said Martin often noticed problems before others did. One example involved fan behavior online. “I didn’t see it… My defense was that I didn’t think it was a big deal cuz we went for years and nobody said a thing about it. And then all of a sudden this year, Mark came up and said, ‘There’s a reason those old NASCAR races on YouTube get such a big uh viewership Wallace said.”
Wallace explained that Martin believed the popularity of older races showed fans were looking back because they felt disconnected from the current product. Wallace said he later understood Martin’s point as more issues surfaced within the sport.
Barriers to leadership and possible advisory roles
Kenny Wallace also addressed why neither Miller nor Martin may take on full-time leadership roles. “While we dream that they would be great for NASCAR, I don’t think he’d want that job. Us: fans, we’d love it. But I think both of them, I think Kelley Earnhardt Miller and Mark Martin are millionaires over and over as it is right now, Wallace said.”
Wallace also noted that their financial stability and current lifestyles could make the daily pressure of NASCAR leadership unattractive. He suggested another option instead of executive roles.
Wallace’s comments reflect a wider discussion about leadership and direction as NASCAR prepares for future seasons. His focus remained on experience, structure, and practical input rather than speculation or promises.
Dogli Wilberforce is a sports writer who covers NASCAR, Formula 1 and IndyCar Series for Heavy Sports. With bylines at Total Apex Sports and Last Word on Sports, Wilberforce has built a reputation for delivering timely, engaging coverage that blends sharp analysis with accessible storytelling. Wilberforce has covered everything from major football transfers to fight-night drama, bringing readers the insight and context behind the headlines. More about Dogli Wilberforce
More Heavy on NASCAR
Loading more stories