NASCAR's Kenny Wallace Visits Area

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

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By Cap Carey

TIMES SPORTSWRITER

POTSDAM - NASCAR driver and TV personality Kenny Wallace spent about 90

minutes in Potsdam's TJ Toyota dealership Friday, signing autographs for

fans, posing for pictures and even giving out hugs.

Wallace, who drives part time in the Nationwide series and is seen every

weekend on SPEED TV, has been visiting Toyota dealerships this weekend as

NASCAR's top two series are competing in Watkins Glen.

He went to Binghamton on Thursday and after Friday's visit in Potsdam he

went to Waite Toyota in Watertown for another session with fans.

Wallace arrived in Potsdam at 11:10 a.m. and immediately said, "I'm here

everybody!" as soon as he walked in the door.

He then chatted with a crowd of about 100 people for several minutes,

telling them about himself and answering questions before he began signing

autographs. He also encouraged fans to give him hugs telling them, "I'm a

lover."

Wallace, who said, "I love you," to several fans, clearly enjoyed himself

and showed why his personality has made him such a success as part of the

SPEED telecasts.

Wallace, who grew up near St. Louis, is part of a famous racing family. His

oldest brother, Rusty, won 55 races at NASCAR's top level and was Winston

Cup champion in 1989. His other older brother, Mike, has competed in both

the Spring Cup and Nationwide series. His nephew, Steve, races in the

Nationwide series.

Wallace frequently tweets about his love of the St. Louis Cardinals and told

the fans Friday that he loves all the St. Louis teams, mentioning the Rams

and Blues.

The fan in Wallace can appreciate NASCAR's rabid fan base and he also sees

some differences in NASCAR fans compared with those of other sports.

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