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Kenny Wallace Asks Tough Question After Chase Elliott’s Kansas Triumph

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Gowtham Ramalingam | Last updated Sep 30, 2025 3:27 AM ET

Kenny Wallace asked an important question after Chase Elliott’s thrilling win at Kansas. It wasn’t about what happened on the track but about how fans reacted after the race. In an online exchange with fans, Wallace clarified that everybody, including himself, loves Elliott.

But he wondered why NASCAR’s Next Gen car suddenly seems like the perfect machine when the sport’s most favorite driver takes the checkered flag. He missed the Cup Series race since he was participating in a MARS Dirt Racing event in Quincy, Illinois.

The conversation began with him flaunting his third-place finish on X. A fan wrote, “Great job you missed a great Kansas race tho.” Wallace responded, “REALLY ? Is it because Chase WON or was it a really good race?” This led another fan to believe that he was hating on Elliott for some reason.

You miss the point.
We love Chase ❤️

The point is this. @chaseelliott WINS and now the Next Gen car is all good https://t.co/8wSYDsDSBJ
— Kenny Wallace (@Kenny_Wallace) September 30, 2025

When asked about it, the icon explained that his response wasn’t to throw dirt on the winner and underlined the change in attitude towards the Next Gen car. One of the biggest criticisms against the Next Gen car is that drivers are unable to make passes in it. But that wasn’t something Elliott faced trouble with.

Elliott’s Incredible Comeback in the Final Two Laps

The Hendrick Motorsports driver was in 10th place on the restart with two laps to go. It seemed like he might have to settle for an average finish and finalize his Round of 8 spot only at the Charlotte Roval.

But from there, he pulled off incredible speed and cruised to the front end of the field in just two laps. A timely mistake by Denny Hamlin took both him and Bubba Wallace out of the lead, and Elliott capitalized.

For years, the Next Gen car has been the subject of criticism. It has been scrutinized all season, and yet, somehow, Elliott’s victory appears to have softened the picture for many. Wallace, pointing out the double standard, showcases how popular drivers inadvertently shape narratives.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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