Fans keep Wallaces busy on autograph night

BENTON, Mo.--At least for a night, Auto Tire and Parts Racepark was transformed into a Milwaukee tribute.

Race fans donned in Miller Lite No. 2 jerseys began lining up as early as 3 p.m. Friday to get a glimpse of Missouri's most famous racing brothers, who appeared on the first day of the two-day Motorsports Fall Classic that continues today.

Rusty, Kenny and Mike Wallace -- all originally of Fenton --took time away from their race preparations at Kansas Speedway to sign autographs for many of the estimated 6,000 fans at ATPR.

Rusty Wallace said this was the first time he had been this far south in Missouri, but felt it was important to visit an area where so many of his fans live.

"I've never signed so much Rusty Wallace memorabilia in my life," he said.

Fans lined up for hours to just get a glimpse of their NASCAR idols. From T-shirts to model cars, Wallace signed just about everything.

Oran native Cindy Sutherland has been a Wallace fan for 15 years and said she appreciates his hard-nosed driving style.

"I just love his perseverance," she said. "He gives his all."

For Lannie Buckingham of Sikeston, Mo., meeting Wallace was a chance to meet his NASCAR hero. Buckingham's license plate reads "Rusty 3" and he proudly dons the No. 2 on the back of his rear windshield.

"Rusty all the way," he said.

In a sport driven by its fans, Wallace said he sees autograph signings as a chance to give back to the people who make the sport possible.

"They're real important," he said. "We've had a huge turnout, and that's gratifying."

Bryan Stroder of Leopold, Mo., said he just appreciates the graciousness of the drivers.

"The drivers are real good with their fans," he said.

Seeing all of the Wallace jerseys and model cars, Rusty Wallace said he's amazed to see how dedicated fans really are.

"They really get into it," he said. "I just try to make everyone happy."

Sutherland, who frequently attends races at Talladega and Dover, said it is good to be able to cheer on a local talent and hopes Wallace can continue the success he has had over the years.

"He's just been an exceptional driver over the years," she said.

The only thing local fans want more than a Wallace autograph would be a Wallace win this weekend. He qualified 11th for Sunday's Protection One 400.

"I wish he would win one this year," Buckingham said.

jjoffray@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 171