In a heartfelt revelation that has left fans both concerned and curious, Kenny Wallace has confirmed that he and his longtime friend, Frankie 'Jughead' Rawlins, are no longer in contact. This announcement comes after a fan, Kevin McDonald, inquired about Rawlins' absence from Wallace's YouTube channel, sparking a wave of interest in the former NASCAR crew member's well-being. But here's where it gets even more intriguing: despite their separation, Wallace assures fans that Rawlins is in good health and managing his weight effectively. This update is particularly significant given Rawlins' history of health struggles, including two heart attacks in 2017, a battle with skin cancer, and his ongoing fight against Colitis, a condition causing severe diarrhea. Wallace had previously rallied support for Rawlins through a GoFundMe campaign to cover his medical expenses, with Rawlins receiving treatment at the prestigious Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. But what led to their separation, and why has Rawlins been absent from the public eye for over a year? These questions linger, leaving fans speculating about the circumstances. Adding another layer to this story, Kenny Wallace, who retired from full-time racing in 2015 but still competes in dirt racing events, recently addressed growing criticisms of NASCAR's Next Gen car. In a candid episode of Coffee with Kenny, Wallace tackled accusations that NASCAR has strayed from its traditional stock car roots. 'NASCAR stock cars are still stock,' he asserted, drawing a parallel between the rear of his wife's Suburban and a NASCAR stock car. But here's where it gets controversial: Wallace argues that returning to the 1970s-era cars is impractical, as modern vehicles are no longer built with carburetors or straight axles. 'We can't go back,' he emphasized, sparking debate among fans who long for the 'old school' NASCAR. This stance has divided opinions, with some applauding his realism and others lamenting the loss of NASCAR's heritage. Meanwhile, NASCAR chief Steve O'Donnell recently shed light on the Next Gen car's origins, explaining that it was introduced to curb teams' excessive spending on parts manufacturing and attract new owners. However, the Next Gen cars have faced challenges, particularly in short track racing, where dirty air has hindered performance. NASCAR has implemented measures like extreme tire falloff and plans a horsepower boost in 2026 to address these issues. But is this enough to restore NASCAR's former glory, or has the sport irrevocably drifted from its roots? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Whether you're Team Wallace or Team Nostalgia, this conversation is far from over.
