Rusty still going strong in collectibles market

Just because Rusty Wallace has retired from NASCAR competition doesn't mean he is any less popular with race fans than he has been for the past two decades.

The former NASCAR Nextel Cup Series champion and 55-time winner parlayed his on-track performance and unbridled energy into one of the largest and most loyal fan followings in auto racing history. And that popularity translates into a major presence in the collectibles market.

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"Rusty connects with the fans. He's one of us, and that's what makes him collectible," says Tommy West, a long time racing collectibles aficionado from Pennsylvania. "A guy can win a hundred races, and if he doesn't connect with the fans, he isn't collectible. Rusty interacts with the fans. He gets involved in all of his special programs on a personal level. Rusty Wallace may be retired, but he is still one of the most collectible drivers around."

Two weeks ago at Bristol, Wallace and Motorsports Authentics unveiled a new line of Rusty Wallace Legendary Series souvenirs and collectibles to celebrate his quarter century as a stock car racing icon.

"Even though I am not racing anymore, my fans are still extremely important to me," Wallace said. "They were such a huge part of my career and I am excited to have the Rusty Wallace Legendary Series products available for them. My fans were tremendously loyal and now that I am no longer behind the wheel, I am looking forward to having the Wallace racing tradition carried on with my (NASCAR) Busch team."

In addition to merchandise featuring Wallace himself, fans will be able to purchase RWI Racing merchandise showcasing drivers Jamie McMurray, Steve Wallace and the No. 64 Top-Flite Dodge.

"Bristol was such an important track for me and my career and it's only fitting that the new souvenirs were made available there first," Wallace continued. "Bristol is also where Steve will be making his 2006 NASCAR Busch series debut and I am excited that my fans will have another Wallace to cheer on."

The first wave of Rusty Wallace Legendary Series merchandise will include die-cast replicas, tee shirts, hats, decals, and key chains. Each product will come in special packaging bearing a logo that showcases Wallace and his replica signature. The logo was designed by Wallace's close friend, renowned motorsports artist Sam Bass.

This will be one of Motorsports Authentics' first special promotions of 2006. The company was formed late last year when International Speedway Corporation and Speedway Motorsports, Inc. partnered to purchase both Action Performance Companies and Team Caliber and merge them into one entity.

"Rusty has built a legacy in NASCAR and with his fans, so a Legendary collection seemed like a natural extension of his celebrated career," said Motorsports Authentics President Ruth Crowley. "Motorsports Authentics is delighted to partner with Rusty on this program."

Rusty Wallace Legendary Series merchandise will be available trackside, as well as through other Motorsports Authentics channels.