Wallace

An insatiable hunger by NASCAR for more Winston Cup races has created an imminent danger in auto racing, says veteran driver Rusty Wallace.

"There are just too many races -- 36 is just too darn many," Wallace during a promotional stop in Knoxville, Tenn. "It is taking a toll on everyone -- the drivers, the race teams, the pit crews but most importantly on our marriages and our families. It's not a good situation at all because people are more prone to make mistakes when they're all worn out."

Where would he draw the line?

"Thirty-two," Wallace said. "The limit should be 32 a year."

The grueling schedule continues this weekend. About 180,000 fans will make the pilgrimage to Bristol Motor Speedway, where Wallace's next win will be his 10th on the .533-mile, high-banked concrete oval.

"I just love that place," said Wallace, who ranks fourth in points and is seeking his first win of the season. "It's like my second home, you know.

"I think a lot of it is that I just love this part of the country," said Wallace, who is building his fifth car dealership in the area. "I always feel comfortable at Bristol and I always have a lot of confidence at Bristol. I feel like that little hot rod is going to be ready again this week."

Wallace's admiring nod was an indication that he agrees with fans around the country, who ranked Bristol as their favorite place to watch a race. The 1989 Winston Cup champion won his first and 50th races at Bristol and he will be among the favorites in Sunday's Food City 500.

Wallace, who drives the No. 2 Ford, recently signed a three-year contract to remain in Winston Cup racing.

"Who knows?" he said. "I might stick around even longer than that. I'm certainly making more money than I ever dreamed possible."

He just wishes NASCAR would "chill out" on a commitment to have more Winston Cup races. Because of multi-million dollar sponsorships and corporate commitments, he said it is virtually impossible to just say no.

Chuck Cavalaris can be reached at cavalaris@knews.com.