The racing world was stunned recently when Kenny Wallace, a familiar and beloved face in NASCAR, revealed a change in his relationship with someone very close to him: Frankie 'Jughead' Rawlins, his longtime friend and former crew member. It's a revelation that has left many fans wondering what happened between the two.
Wallace, ever the open book, addressed the situation indirectly while providing an update on Rawlins' health. He confirmed that the two are "no longer together." But here's the good news: Wallace assured everyone that Rawlins is doing well, managing his weight, and generally in good health. Considering Rawlins' past health battles, this update is a huge relief.
For those who don't know, Rawlins has faced a series of serious health challenges. Back in 2017, he suffered two heart attacks. He also bravely fought skin cancer. And currently, he's dealing with Colitis, a condition that can cause severe digestive issues. Wallace, being the loyal friend he is, even organized a GoFundMe campaign in the past to help Rawlins with his mounting medical expenses. Rawlins has been receiving treatment at the renowned Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. It's been about a year since we've last seen him on Wallace's popular YouTube channel, which prompted questions from concerned fans.
A fan named Kevin McDonald directly asked Wallace about Rawlins' whereabouts on X (formerly Twitter), inquiring if he was no longer able to help out. Wallace responded candidly, stating, "Jughead and myself are no longer together. His health is awesome and his weight is doing good." While the specifics of their separation remain private, the focus is clearly on Rawlins' well-being, which is undoubtedly the most important thing.
Wallace himself retired from full-time NASCAR racing back in 2015. He hasn't slowed down much, though! He's still actively involved in dirt racing events and recently celebrated a victory in Charleston, Illinois.
Switching gears slightly, Wallace has also weighed in on a topic sparking considerable debate within the NASCAR community: the Next Gen car. There are growing complaints about the car's performance and its impact on the racing product. Many fans feel it's strayed too far from NASCAR's traditional stock car roots. But here's where it gets controversial... Wallace offered a pretty blunt take, suggesting that some of the nostalgia is misplaced.
In an episode of "Coffee with Kenny," Wallace directly addressed these concerns. He even made a comparison to his wife's Suburban, claiming the rear suspension design is surprisingly similar to that of a modern NASCAR stock car! He argued that the term "stock car" still applies. "NASCAR stock car is stock," he said. And this is the part most people miss... Wallace emphasized that NASCAR simply can't revert to the technology of the 1970s. Automotive technology has advanced significantly, and NASCAR has to evolve with it. He pointed out the shift away from carburetors and straight axles as examples of necessary progress. "We can't go back to 1970, okay? We can't because that's not the way they build cars anymore," he stated.
It's undeniable that the Next Gen car has its drawbacks. Dirty air continues to be a major issue, and while the car performs reasonably well on intermediate tracks, short track racing has suffered. NASCAR has even had to resort to artificially increasing tire wear to promote overtaking. A horsepower increase is planned for 2026 to try and further improve the racing product. But is it enough?
Speaking of the Next Gen car's origins, NASCAR chief Steve O'Donnell explained on the "Dale Jr. Download" podcast that the primary motivation behind its introduction was cost control. Teams were spending exorbitant amounts on manufacturing their own parts, leading to unsustainable financial situations. The Next Gen car, with its more standardized components, was intended to reduce costs and attract new team owners. Did it work? That's a question still being debated.
So, what do you think? Is the Next Gen car a necessary evolution for NASCAR, or has it strayed too far from the sport's roots? Are the benefits of cost control worth the compromises in racing quality? Are fans being too nostalgic for a bygone era? Let your voice be heard in the comments below! And what about Kenny and Jughead? What are your takes on their separation? It's never easy when friendships change, but here's hoping both are doing well in their respective journeys.
