Numbers: Milwaukee

He's perhaps known more for his television skills than his driving skills, but at the Camping World RV Rental 250 on Saturday night at The Milwaukee Mile (8 p.m. ET, ESPN2), Kenny Wallace will join an exclusive list.

When the green flies, it will be the 400th time Wallace has seen it in a Nationwide Series event.

Wallace's Nationwide Series debut came at Martinsville in 1988. Dale Earnhardt stepped out of the No. 8 GM Goodwrench Chevy he drove that season and handed the wheel to Wallace, who would take advantage of the situation. He finished 11th after starting 26th, one lap down to winner Harry Gant.

The next season, Wallace drove the No. 36 Pontiac owned by brother and Cup champion Rusty Wallace. In 29 races, Kenny had four top-fives, 16 top-10s, three poles, finished sixth in the point standings and won rookie of the year honors, besting guys like Bobby Hamilton and Jeff Burton.

Maybe the most impressive thing about that 1989 season was at 25 years of age, Wallace only had two DNFs, showing a maturity behind the wheel beyond his years.

In 1990, Wallace had another impressive season in the No. 36 with four top-fives, 14 top-10s and he finished seventh in points. It wasn't until 1991 when Wallace earned his first win and it came in his best season, statistically.

The wins came at Volusia County and New Hampshire and he lost the championship by just 74 points to Bobby Labonte. In the final race at Martinsville, Wallace lost his brakes on Lap 160 of 200 and finished 21st. Labonte came home fifth, one lap down.

Wallace drove full time in the Nationwide Series in 1992 and 1994, amassing four wins, 18 top-fives and 30 top-10s in those two seasons, finishing sixth and fourth, respectively.

After 1994, Wallace ran sporadically in the Nationwide Series while focusing on his Cup career.

While he never won a Nationwide Series championship, Wallace has had a successful career. In 19 seasons, he has an average finish of 15.5, 26th among drivers with at least 100 starts, and he is among the top 20 all-time in top-fives and top-10s.

This season, Wallace is 18th in points after starting the season in the No. 36 Fitz Dodge and moving to the No. 28 Jay Robinson Racing Chevrolet full time. In 15 starts, Wallace has an average finish of 22.4, with eight top-20s, including two of the last three events.

Although he got his first Nationwide start at Martinsville, Wallace, a native of St. Louis, feels like his career really started in Milwaukee, making this weekend's race that much more special.

"I started my career at the Milwaukee Fairgrounds back in 1986," Wallace said. "It feels like just yesterday I was driving ASA cars against some of the greatest drivers like Joe Shear and Dick Trickle. My career really has come full circle at Milwaukee.

"My wife's [Kim] family lives about five miles from the track. Milwaukee is also close to St. Louis, so it all hits close to home for me."

The entire Wallace clan will be on hand to enjoy Kenny's 400th start. Brother Mike and nephew Steve will be in the race; brother Rusty will be in the booth calling the race for ESPN2. And on Friday night, niece Chrissy will be making her second career Truck Series start.