Fans reach goal to put Wallace in race at Montreal

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Kenny Wallace, known for his outgoing personality both on and off the race track, wants to say only one thing: "Thank you, fans".

More than 5,000 "sponsors" have extended their support to get the driver known as the Hermanator on track at this year's Nationwide Series event at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal on Aug. 30. For a $20 donation fans were able to submit a name that will adorn the Wallace-designed paint scheme at this year's event. Collectively, they have made this program one of the most successful fan-supported race car sponsorships in the history of NASCAR.

Wallace

"We won't know the exact total number of names until all the information has been put together in about a week, but we were able to raise enough money to get the team exactly what it needed to go compete in this race," Wallace said. "When we decided to move forward with this program we didn't know if we would even meet our goal but it's been an overwhelming success. I couldn't be more thankful or humbled".

Due to lack of sponsorship for this year's event, Kenny's Facebook friends reached out with an interesting idea.

"They came to me and said, 'Kenny, how about letting us do a fan car in Montreal?' I wasn't sure about it at first, but we saw so much support for the idea that we decided to move forward. The U.S. Border Patrol has been a great partner and will still be on the car for the rest of the year, but for certain reasons can't sponsor this race."

With the program meeting the team's needs, Wallace isn't the only person thankful.

"We have to offer our own special thanks to Kenny and the fans for putting the No. 28 Chevy in a great position going into this race," said Jay Robinson, owner of Jay Robinson Racing. "We have the ability to go test now and be fully prepared to provide Kenny with a car capable of competing for the win in Montreal".

In an effort to thank each of his fans, Wallace will personally autograph a photo of the No. 28 Hermanator Chevrolet for each "sponsor". These autographed mementos will arrive approximately five to six weeks after the race.

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