Wallace: racing is a privilege

Wallace warned the drivers that they should look after what has made the sport great, and to respect the fans and sponsors that have allowed NASCAR to become America's biggest motor racing series.

Wallace finished 13th in his final NASCAR race, after a 21-year Cup career.

The 1989 champion made his debut with the 1984 Rookie of the Year title. Since then, he took 55 victories and his last came in the Advance Auto Parts 500 at Martinsville in 2004.

Wallace was one of the ten drivers to make it into the Chase for the Cup in 2005. He eventually finished eighth in the final points standings.

"I'm really proud of where the sport has came," Wallace said, "and I don't want anyone to screw it up. I want the drivers - young and old - to realise that it's a privilege to race in NASCAR and to respect the fans, sponsors and everybody.

"I'm OK with it with leaving. It hasn't really sunk in it yet [when people say] 'we'll miss you, man'. I finished 13th and on the lead lap. The fans treated me like a million dollars. I've finished with style and class.

"I would have liked a top ten today or to win, but it wasn't meant to be, because my poor qualifying run kept me in the back.

"They wanted me to run another year, but I'm not going to do that. I'm going to spend some time with my family, which I haven't done for a while.

"I probably need to go to bed and wake up with a clear head."