Why Chrissy Wallace Is The Real Deal

by Diecast Dude on Mar 31, 2008 12:58 AM EDT

While there were more than a few stories that came out of this weekend's racing -- the Hendrick quartet back in form, Denny Hamlin busting a move without his car busting on him, the first rays of new light shining from unified open wheel -- easily the most exciting one came from the truck race at Martinsville this past Saturday. A member of the Wallace racing clan, in their first ever run in the series, finished a more than respectable eighteenth and on the lead lap to boot. Making this all the more impressive was how her finishing spot was one digit smaller than her age.

Yes, her.

Chrissy Wallace's debut at Martinsville this past Saturday was irrefutable proof she is the real deal. Let's start with the race's location. Martinsville is a tough, ornery cuss of a short track, demanding and unforgiving in the extreme. Forget the gender aspect for a moment. To see any rookie finish mid-pack and on the lead lap there is impressive. Add to that this being the first time she's ever driven in this class, and it goes from impressive to instant "oh wow."

Yet even more impressive was the manner in which she ran. No recklessness, no youthful abandon translating into abandonment of common sense, no trying to fit a twelve-inch square peg into a six-inch round hole. This was done while simultaneously giving no quarter. You had to earn your way around her, assuming you could pull it off which not a lot of drivers did. Wallace's on-track demeanor was simplicity itself: bear of a track? Wily veterans and kids eager to make an impression on every side? National spotlight shining directly on me? Bring it on, boys. Not a trace of the woe is me lament uttered by Mrs. Hospenthal after yet another race is added to her legacy as the Chicago Cubs of Indy cars. Chrissy Wallace drove an aggressive, smart race. It was a terrific debut with the promise of better to come. What more can you ask for from any new driver?

Chrissy Wallace is the answer to NASCAR's prayer whether they know it or not. She has an unimpeachable résumé to go along with her bloodline, driving and winning in several classes of cars while gaining invaluable seat time. Certainly having a known last name helps. But that name doesn't turn the wheel and step on the gas. She does. She's earned her place in the sport.

It's astonishing sponsors aren't beating a path to her door. A young woman with instant appeal to teens and tweeners? A genuine role model who isn't going to embarrass you? A guaranteed fan favorite every time she hits the track? And as the finishing touch... someone who can actually drive? Come on now. I don't care how tight the economy has become. This is a marketing gold mine practically screaming to be discovered.

Given decent equipment and team assistance, Chrissy Wallace will be the first woman to win an upper level NASCAR race. Not could be -- will be. She is that good. She has the necessary skill and toughness needed to not merely survive, but thrive in NASCAR. Said it before and I'll say it again: Chrissy Wallace is the real deal, with all the skill and toughness needed to compete at the highest level. How much skill and toughness? The girl is a 10...

... on the Chuck Norris scale.

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For sure!

Nice to see a competitive female in NASCAR. Looking forward to seeing more from her.

Stephen

by stshores24 on Mar 31, 2008 5:50 PM EDT 0 recs

As opposed...

... to more of Danica?

Not from, mind you. Just of.

by Diecast Dude on Mar 31, 2008 6:18 PM EDT up 0 recs

Can you imagine...

the ticker across the top if Chrissy, Mike, Kenny, and Stephen all find their way into the same race? Would that be a record for the most? My foggy memory seems to think that such an event would tie for first, but I could be wrong.

As to Danica, until she remembers she's supposed to be a driver, the less I hear and see about her the better. <snark>Maybe she needs a sponsorship with Hooters</snark>

by MindyL78 on Mar 31, 2008 9:34 PM EDT 0 recs

I saw it...

Getting to see the young Ms. Wallace compete in Late Models at Hickory Motor Speedway on a couple of occasions , I saw a competent, smart thinking race driver capable of getting everything her equipment had, not pushing the envelope too far, mot making mistakes.

She's Mike's girl alright. She's got his savvy.

I hope to see her go for more in NCTS and beyond.

Bram the Racin' Guy

by Bram on Apr 5, 2008 2:39 PM EDT 0 recs