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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Miller Lite Dodge driver Rusty Wallace announced that the 2005 NASCAR Nextel Cup season will be his final year as an active driver.
Wallace's swan song season will carry the theme of "Rusty's Last Call" and will feature a yearlong celebration of the champion driver's illustrious career.
"There comes a time in every driver's career when they must decide to hang up their helmet for good and I have concluded the best time for me to do that is at the conclusion of the 2005 season," offered Wallace during a special press conference held this morning at Daytona USA.
"I've done a lot of soul searching and gotten a lot of input from my closest associates and my family. With that in mind, I am prepared to end my driving career at the end of the season next November and move on to another chapter in my life."
Wallace ran his first race on NASCAR's premier tour in 1980 at Atlanta and finished second to his late friend, seven-time series champion Dale Earnhardt. He became a fulltime competitor on the circuit in 1984 and won the Rookie of the Year award that season.
He claimed the series national driving title in 1989 and finished as runner-up for the championship in 1988 and again in 1993. He has recorded 55 race wins, dating from his first victory in 1986, to his 10-win season in 1993 and to his most recent victory, just last April at Martinsville, Va.
"I have always valued my reputation as a top competitor and strived to maintain a winning image through all the years," said Wallace. "It's extremely important to me that I conclude my career as a driver while I'm still at the top of my game.
"We might not have all the statistics to prove it, but I feel like my team is always a top threat to win each and every race.
"I am determined to do this the right way," Wallace continued. "Through the years, I have witnessed several drivers bow out with the grace and the style that I hoped to carry when my time had come.
"I looked at the stock car greats like Cale Yarborough and David Pearson. I admired the timing of the decisions made by my Penske Racing teammates Rick Mears and Gil de Feran. All of those drivers had tremendous careers and went out as winners. That's exactly what I want to do.
"While the 2005 season may be my final year as a driver, you'll still have to continue to put up with me as a team owner and hopefully as a mentor for some young drivers who are on their way up," said Wallace.
"Of course, one of those promising young drivers is my son, Steve. With my brothers both still out there and Steve on his way up, I'm confident that you'll be hearing about drivers named Wallace winning races for many years to come.
"Even though our team may not make the cut for this year's Chase for the NASCAR Nextel Cup, I'm confident we can visit Victory Lane a few more times before the season ends.
"Next year, me and my entire Larry Carter-led Miller Lite Dodge team are determined to make this -- my final season as a driver -- a most memorable one. We're prepared to win races and make another run for the championship. But, at the same time, we're also committed to give something back to all the faithful fans that have supported us through all the years.
"It's gonna' be a season full of fun and success -- and probably some controversy along the way," offered Wallace. "I am looking forward to next season and to everything the future has in store for me after I've taken off the driver's uniform for the final time next November."
What They're Saying
Kenny Wallace (No. 23 Stacker 2 Chevrolet)
"Rusty's retirement is very sad for me. He has taught me how to race and how to be a winner. His record speaks for itself. I did not nickname him God for nothing he has always been very intense on what he goes after and that is why he is a NASCAR champion. It is truly the end of an era for all of us. I love him with all my heart."
Ryan Newman (No. 12 ALLTEL Dodge)
"Rusty has been a true racer and champion in the eyes of his competitors, his fans and everyone else associated with NASCAR. His influence on the sport will be one that is felt for years to come.
"He has been an important part of Penske Racing South and has helped form what the team is today. Rusty has built one of the greatest fan bases in NASCAR history, which says a lot.
"The man has helped NASCAR grow into what it is today and I'm sure he will be greatly missed behind the wheel."
Dale Jarrett (No. 88 UPS Ford)
"I think one of the biggest things Rusty Wallace did is to show what being a true competitor is all about. He has always been a tough competitor and someone other drivers have aspired to.
"But even more than that he has been a great ambassador for the sport of NASCAR racing both on the track and off the track. I think you'd be hard pressed to find anyone better at being a competitive driver, a better competitor and someone who has truly made an impact in this sport simply by being a part of it."
Jeff Gordon (No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet)
"I've always respected Rusty, on and off the track. He is a great driver that has brought a lot to our sport."
Ken Schrader (No. 49 Schwan's Home Service Dodge)
"Off the top of my head, next to the 'King' and STP, Rusty and his sponsor Miller have been one of the most enduring sponsor/driver relationships in our sport.
"As NASCAR became more and more sponsor-driven, Rusty was one of the first drivers to really create a loyalty with a sponsor and together, they were able to reap the benefits from that relationship for many years. Rusty and Mark (Martin) are a couple of pioneers.
"They came from out in the Midwest, from the ranks of ASA they broke into NASCAR, and they've been successful in this sport for a number of years. When you think about competitors in this garage, Rusty is at the top of the list. He's a tremendous competitor, he's won a ton of races and a championship. He's done just about all there is to do in this sport."
Mark Martin (No. 6 Viagra Ford)
"Rusty Wallace and I have been racing together since we were teenagers. We started racing together in 1976 and our career have paralleled all through the years.
"He is a fierce competitor and a tremendous person. He has been a friend to me all through those years and it's hard to believe that we've raced nearly 30 years together and never once had a major problem. With that said, we have enormous respect for one another."
Darrell Waltrip (Three-time NASCAR Champion)
"I can appreciate any driver that has the courage to walk away from his career when he still is capable of winning and not extending it past that point. Unlike what I did, Rusty is making the right decision at the right time."
"Rusty has had a very successful career and I am sure he has prepared himself financially for retirement. I am also quite sure he invested a couple hundred grand he won in Charlotte in 1989, so I know he has something to fall back on!"
"Rusty is a great spokesman for our sport. He is very charismatic and has a great personality. We were once fierce competitors on the track. It wouldn't surprise me to be competitors again sometime soon!"
Jeff Burton (No. 30 AOL Chevrolet)
"His talent level speaks for itself. Rusty is one of the most gifted racecar drivers in the world.
"Rusty has been an asset to this sport for a long time. His level of competitiveness has been admirable. He brought a level of enthusiasm when he came. He's got a real upbeat type of personality that I think has been really good for the sport, it's different than you're stereotypical race car driver -- real high energy, real high excitement.
"I consider myself to kind of be in that group of Rusty and Mark (Martin), it's really the group that is ahead of me in age, but I've raced against them so much.
"It's an honor for me when Rusty Wallace comes to talk to me about set ups or about whatever, to me that's really cool. I just really have a lot of respect for Rusty. He's real open and honest, he tries to help people -- and I'm talking about in life in general.
"A lot of people don't really know how Rusty really is, but when you get to know him, he is the type of person that whatever he has is yours. He'll do anything in the world to help you and I don't think that most people get to see that side of Rusty."
Mike Wallace (No. 4 GEICO/SportClips Ford)
"It's a remarkable story of a Midwest family where one of the boys had a desire to race for a living and has been so successful that he's been able to do that. Rusty's worked extremely hard to be where he is now and he's able to end his career on his terms.
"He's a former Cup champion with 55 career wins, in perfect health and is still winning races, how can you doubt his terms? It's pretty much a storybook career. It doesn't happen any better than this."
Dale Earnhardt Jr. (No. 8 Budweiser/Chevrolet)
"Rusty has been a true champion for the sport of NASCAR. Some of the best memories that I will always carry with me, are memories of the numerous battles on track between he and my Dad.
"It is hard to believe that he will no longer meet me on the track, as the driver of the No.2 car, after 2005. He has been a leader for our sport
Wallace's swan song season will carry the theme of "Rusty's Last Call" and will feature a yearlong celebration of the champion driver's illustrious career.
"There comes a time in every driver's career when they must decide to hang up their helmet for good and I have concluded the best time for me to do that is at the conclusion of the 2005 season," offered Wallace during a special press conference held this morning at Daytona USA.
"I've done a lot of soul searching and gotten a lot of input from my closest associates and my family. With that in mind, I am prepared to end my driving career at the end of the season next November and move on to another chapter in my life."
Wallace ran his first race on NASCAR's premier tour in 1980 at Atlanta and finished second to his late friend, seven-time series champion Dale Earnhardt. He became a fulltime competitor on the circuit in 1984 and won the Rookie of the Year award that season.
He claimed the series national driving title in 1989 and finished as runner-up for the championship in 1988 and again in 1993. He has recorded 55 race wins, dating from his first victory in 1986, to his 10-win season in 1993 and to his most recent victory, just last April at Martinsville, Va.
"I have always valued my reputation as a top competitor and strived to maintain a winning image through all the years," said Wallace. "It's extremely important to me that I conclude my career as a driver while I'm still at the top of my game.
"We might not have all the statistics to prove it, but I feel like my team is always a top threat to win each and every race.
"I am determined to do this the right way," Wallace continued. "Through the years, I have witnessed several drivers bow out with the grace and the style that I hoped to carry when my time had come.
"I looked at the stock car greats like Cale Yarborough and David Pearson. I admired the timing of the decisions made by my Penske Racing teammates Rick Mears and Gil de Feran. All of those drivers had tremendous careers and went out as winners. That's exactly what I want to do.
"While the 2005 season may be my final year as a driver, you'll still have to continue to put up with me as a team owner and hopefully as a mentor for some young drivers who are on their way up," said Wallace.
"Of course, one of those promising young drivers is my son, Steve. With my brothers both still out there and Steve on his way up, I'm confident that you'll be hearing about drivers named Wallace winning races for many years to come.
"Even though our team may not make the cut for this year's Chase for the NASCAR Nextel Cup, I'm confident we can visit Victory Lane a few more times before the season ends.
"Next year, me and my entire Larry Carter-led Miller Lite Dodge team are determined to make this -- my final season as a driver -- a most memorable one. We're prepared to win races and make another run for the championship. But, at the same time, we're also committed to give something back to all the faithful fans that have supported us through all the years.
"It's gonna' be a season full of fun and success -- and probably some controversy along the way," offered Wallace. "I am looking forward to next season and to everything the future has in store for me after I've taken off the driver's uniform for the final time next November."
What They're Saying
Kenny Wallace (No. 23 Stacker 2 Chevrolet)
"Rusty's retirement is very sad for me. He has taught me how to race and how to be a winner. His record speaks for itself. I did not nickname him God for nothing he has always been very intense on what he goes after and that is why he is a NASCAR champion. It is truly the end of an era for all of us. I love him with all my heart."
Ryan Newman (No. 12 ALLTEL Dodge)
"Rusty has been a true racer and champion in the eyes of his competitors, his fans and everyone else associated with NASCAR. His influence on the sport will be one that is felt for years to come.
"He has been an important part of Penske Racing South and has helped form what the team is today. Rusty has built one of the greatest fan bases in NASCAR history, which says a lot.
"The man has helped NASCAR grow into what it is today and I'm sure he will be greatly missed behind the wheel."
Dale Jarrett (No. 88 UPS Ford)
"I think one of the biggest things Rusty Wallace did is to show what being a true competitor is all about. He has always been a tough competitor and someone other drivers have aspired to.
"But even more than that he has been a great ambassador for the sport of NASCAR racing both on the track and off the track. I think you'd be hard pressed to find anyone better at being a competitive driver, a better competitor and someone who has truly made an impact in this sport simply by being a part of it."
Jeff Gordon (No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet)
"I've always respected Rusty, on and off the track. He is a great driver that has brought a lot to our sport."
Ken Schrader (No. 49 Schwan's Home Service Dodge)
"Off the top of my head, next to the 'King' and STP, Rusty and his sponsor Miller have been one of the most enduring sponsor/driver relationships in our sport.
"As NASCAR became more and more sponsor-driven, Rusty was one of the first drivers to really create a loyalty with a sponsor and together, they were able to reap the benefits from that relationship for many years. Rusty and Mark (Martin) are a couple of pioneers.
"They came from out in the Midwest, from the ranks of ASA they broke into NASCAR, and they've been successful in this sport for a number of years. When you think about competitors in this garage, Rusty is at the top of the list. He's a tremendous competitor, he's won a ton of races and a championship. He's done just about all there is to do in this sport."
Mark Martin (No. 6 Viagra Ford)
"Rusty Wallace and I have been racing together since we were teenagers. We started racing together in 1976 and our career have paralleled all through the years.
"He is a fierce competitor and a tremendous person. He has been a friend to me all through those years and it's hard to believe that we've raced nearly 30 years together and never once had a major problem. With that said, we have enormous respect for one another."
Darrell Waltrip (Three-time NASCAR Champion)
"I can appreciate any driver that has the courage to walk away from his career when he still is capable of winning and not extending it past that point. Unlike what I did, Rusty is making the right decision at the right time."
"Rusty has had a very successful career and I am sure he has prepared himself financially for retirement. I am also quite sure he invested a couple hundred grand he won in Charlotte in 1989, so I know he has something to fall back on!"
"Rusty is a great spokesman for our sport. He is very charismatic and has a great personality. We were once fierce competitors on the track. It wouldn't surprise me to be competitors again sometime soon!"
Jeff Burton (No. 30 AOL Chevrolet)
"His talent level speaks for itself. Rusty is one of the most gifted racecar drivers in the world.
"Rusty has been an asset to this sport for a long time. His level of competitiveness has been admirable. He brought a level of enthusiasm when he came. He's got a real upbeat type of personality that I think has been really good for the sport, it's different than you're stereotypical race car driver -- real high energy, real high excitement.
"I consider myself to kind of be in that group of Rusty and Mark (Martin), it's really the group that is ahead of me in age, but I've raced against them so much.
"It's an honor for me when Rusty Wallace comes to talk to me about set ups or about whatever, to me that's really cool. I just really have a lot of respect for Rusty. He's real open and honest, he tries to help people -- and I'm talking about in life in general.
"A lot of people don't really know how Rusty really is, but when you get to know him, he is the type of person that whatever he has is yours. He'll do anything in the world to help you and I don't think that most people get to see that side of Rusty."
Mike Wallace (No. 4 GEICO/SportClips Ford)
"It's a remarkable story of a Midwest family where one of the boys had a desire to race for a living and has been so successful that he's been able to do that. Rusty's worked extremely hard to be where he is now and he's able to end his career on his terms.
"He's a former Cup champion with 55 career wins, in perfect health and is still winning races, how can you doubt his terms? It's pretty much a storybook career. It doesn't happen any better than this."
Dale Earnhardt Jr. (No. 8 Budweiser/Chevrolet)
"Rusty has been a true champion for the sport of NASCAR. Some of the best memories that I will always carry with me, are memories of the numerous battles on track between he and my Dad.
"It is hard to believe that he will no longer meet me on the track, as the driver of the No.2 car, after 2005. He has been a leader for our sport
I see Jaws remembers that one too. That's what made me a Rusty fan to some degree.
<<<<< a couple of Miller's of course 
