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NASCAR WCUP: Kenny Wallace/Square D Weekly Review-Preview

23 September 1998

HARRISBURG, N.C. - To say that last Sunday's MBNA Gold 400 at Dover Downs (Del.) International Speedway was a disappointment for Square D Ford driver Kenny Wallace would be a gross understatement. The St. Louis native had just taken the green flag to start the 400-lap event when the engine let go heading into the first corner of "The Monster Mile."

"I think I ran the shortest race in the history of motorsports," said Wallace upon climbing from his No. 81 Taurus. "I went into turn one and blew up right after taking the green. I hate it for Square D and my crew chief David Ifft because they gave me a good car. We had three really good weeks in a row, a sixth (New Hampshire), a 10th (Darlington) and an 11th (Richmond), but it ended real quick here today."

Wallace was credited with completing just two laps, as he finished last in the field of 43 cars. Perhaps some solace could be taken by the fact that six other drivers also experienced engine failure. They were Buckshot Jones, Kyle Petty, Kenny Irwin, Ken Schrader, Derrike Cope and Dick Trickle.

Following the Dover debacle, Square D Ford driver Kenny Wallace has some unfinished business. This weekend, he'll take care of that business at his office - Martinsville (Va.) Speedway. The .526-mile oval is the site of Wallace's best career NASCAR Winston Cup finish (fourth, 1994 Goody's Headache Powder 500), his first career Winston Cup pole, and two NASCAR Busch Series, Grand National Division wins (1992 Miller 500 and 1994 Advance Auto Parts 500.) The 35-year-old's history at Martinsville is indeed impressive. But in addition to solid statistics, Wallace's racing history brings forth interim crew chief David Ifft, who served as crew chief during his first full year in the Busch Series - 1989.

"It's always fun to work with David because he brings the best out of me," said Wallace. "It feels like I've gotten back to racing now that he's here. He keeps the guys pumped up and the team's morale is good. He's a good crew chief to have. He's as good as Buddy Parrott. That's who I'd compare him to."

To complement being reunited with Ifft at one of his more successful race tracks, Wallace will pilot the same car that delivered a sixth place run in the CMT 300 at New Hampshire and a 10th place finish the following weekend in the Pepsi Southern 500 at Darlington. FILMAR Racing will also use its own engines for this weekend's NAPA AutoCare 500.