Former NASCAR driver Kenny Wallace recently weighed in on comments made by Chase Elliott regarding NASCAR’s throwback livery tradition, which sparked a heated debate on social media. Elliott, the driver of the #9 Chevrolet and a fan favorite, expressed his view that the tradition of honoring NASCAR’s history with retro paint schemes at Darlington Raceway had lost its appeal several years ago. His remarks ignited discussions among fans and insiders about the relevance of the event.
Chase Elliott’s Criticism of Throwback Weekend
The throwback weekend at Darlington Raceway is an annual celebration where drivers and teams pay homage to NASCAR legends by sporting retro paint schemes. This tradition creates a unique atmosphere akin to Halloween, with fans donning vintage merchandise in the stands. However, this year, 19 teams opted to forgo the tradition, sticking with their regular liveries instead.
Elliott, who has been named NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver multiple times, voiced his dissatisfaction with the event’s current state. He suggested that its charm had faded over five years ago and questioned its continued relevance.
“I thought I lost it [its luster] about four or five years ago, so I was way too early to that conversation, I think,” Elliott commented (via Motorsport). He further joked that if the trend continued at its current pace, drivers might soon be “throwing it back” to paint schemes from as recently as 2018. He added, “At some point, I think we’ve got to chill on it a little bit. I think we’ve rode the horse to death, and we tend to do that a little bit too much.”
Kenny Wallace’s Response
Kenny Wallace addressed Elliott’s remarks during his “Coffee with Kenny” program on social media. While acknowledging Elliott’s point of view, Wallace defended the throwback tradition and emphasized that it wasn’t harming anyone.
“It started out as bobblehead day. It started out as bat day, right? ‘Hey, it’s throwback weekend at Darlington!’ And now 10 years later, we’re doing the same thing. I don’t think it’s hurting anybody. My opinion is it’s not hurting anybody. Just keep it going,” Wallace said. However, he also noted that fans and critics shouldn’t get upset if some teams choose not to participate in the tradition. “If somebody doesn’t play along, you cannot get mad at them. Okay, I’ll meet you all halfway,” he concluded.
Mixed Reactions from Fans and Drivers
Elliott’s comments stirred significant debate among fans and within the NASCAR community. While some agreed with his perspective that the event might be overdone, others saw value in maintaining a tradition that celebrates NASCAR’s rich history.
For Elliott himself, this season has been a rollercoaster ride. Despite managing four top-10 finishes so far, he has struggled for consistent results in other races. His remarks about throwback weekend reflect his broader concerns about balancing tradition with innovation in NASCAR.
In summary, while Chase Elliott believes the throwback weekend has run its course, Kenny Wallace argues for its continuation as a harmless and enjoyable tradition. This debate underscores broader questions about how NASCAR can evolve while respecting its storied past.
