…Off-circuit he slows down to spend quality time with his dogs and helps animals in need.
One might assume that Rusty Wallace, one of NASCAR’s best competitors and winner of more than 200 short-track races all across the nation, has no time for anything other than driving. Those who know him, however, disagree: he always has time for friends, family and those in need!
Rusty currently lives on Lake Norman, in Concord, NC with his wife, Patti, his 3 children, Greg, Katie and Stephen, and the four family dogs, Sadie, Winston, Miller and Gadget, who go everywhere with him. It is easy to understand what inspired him with naming at least half of his pups! Rusty competes in the Winston Cup, driving his No 2 Penske South Miller Lite Ford Taurus (hint the names of his pups). As well as spending time with his own animals, Rusty donates his time and energy to different animal charities.
Earlier this summer, for example, Rusty stopped by New York and, along with driver Shawna Robinson, acted as grand marshall of the Beggin’ Strips® A-Mazin’ Bacon Race at South Street Seaport. Different animal charities sponsored dogs and, after an exciting race, the winning pup had the chance to obtain $1 million for his particular charity. Although Bandit, the winner, only took home $5,000 for the American Humane Association, the day was a great success. Rusty enjoyed being on the other side of racing for a day! “Anything for the well-being of animals; it’s something close to my heart,” exclaims Rusty!
Rusty, who is one of only 11 drivers in the world with 50 or more Winston Cup wins, has set an incredible record, winning 11% of his races! Who knows where he will take his record in the next few years? From Animal Fair, we applaud his involvement with animal charities and wish him lots of luck on the track!
– Paz Nachon