Kenny Wallace makes opinion clear on Christian Eckes and Taylor Gray's post-race altercation, citing Mark Martin's 'driver etiquette' remark
Former NASCAR driver Kenny Wallace shared his views on the recent Truck Series playoff race and the altercation between Christian Eckes and Taylor Gray at Martinsville.
Eckes in the No. 19 Chevrolet was in the lead for most of Friday's race but was passed by Gray, who made a bold move on the outside. However, Eckes bumped Gray out of the way and ended his chance at the championship. This led to a heated exchange between them, and Gray promised to get back at Eckes next season.
In the latest episode of "Coffee with Kenny," Wallace shared his thoughts on how Eckes won the Zip Buy Now, Pay Later 200 at Martinsville Speedway.
"Christian Eckes wins the race, and he does it the right way. He won the race by half a straightaway. So, like, if you're going to hit me, you better get on out of here. So that's my theory on that. If you're going to knock me out of the way, you better get away, 'cause I'm coming back at you. So, that's the way I officiate that one," Wallace said (01:58).
"I know nobody likes what Christian Eckes did, knocking Taylor Gray out of the way. However, he should have been able to get back to him and knock him out of the way," he added (05:01).
Wallace also mentioned Mark Martin's post on X where he criticized Eckes and wrote that drivers have lost their sense of respect on the track.
"However, I agree with Mark Martin. Mark Martin on X says, 'Man, driver etiquette is gone' and it is gone. That's basically because the Cup guys do it and then the guys in the Truck Series go I'm going to be like the Cup guys," Kenny Wallace said (01:58).
Christian Eckes, who also won at Martinsville earlier this season, earned the win by 1.191 seconds and Taylor Gray finished fourth.
"Just because you're on TV doesn't mean you can't cuss" - Kenny Wallace on emotions in racing
Kenny Wallace stated in the same video that it is normal for drivers to feel strong emotions after a tough race. He believes they should be allowed to express themselves, even if it means using strong language.
“We apologize for the language, but I'm like, 'No, that's the way the man feels'... Just because you're on TV doesn't mean you can't cuss. Of course, they make the rules to where you're not supposed to show emotion,” Kenny Wallace said (01:04).
Wallace also recalled how drivers used to react to being bumped out of the way during his time and said they tried to get back at their opponents instead of just accepting it.