“All over Chris Rice’s *ss”: Kenny Wallace requests fans to calm down following Kaulig Racing boss’ playoff system remark

Following a wave of online backlash directed at Kaulig Racing CEO Chris Rice over comments regarding anticipated NASCAR playoff format changes in 2026, Kenny Wallace came to the defense of him and told fans to calm down.

During the recent episode of the Kenny Wallace Show, the Kaulig Racing boss hinted at major playoff changes, suggesting that 75 percent of the fans would embrace the new format. He also commented that the return to a full-season points system was unlikely, a remark that quickly ignited debate and criticism among fans, who expressed frustration over the direction of proposed changes.

As reactions escalated on social media, the criticism toward Rice had crossed the line from sporting debate to personal attacks. Kenny Wallace felt compelled to defend Rice and explain what was actually said.

Taking to X, here’s what the former NASCAR driver and reporter said:

“I came up for air this morning, and I see that there is a mob. There's a crowd out there that's being mean. They're all over Chris Rice's ass, and that isn't right. Chris Rice said to me, "All he said was, 'Herman, you will like this new point system.'" You will like it. He didn't say you're going to like it. "I'm going to make you like it," said Herman. "You will like it." And he was talking to me.” “Chris Rice was having a nice conversation with me, and he just said, ‘I know what the new points system is, and you will like it. Listen, we don't know what the new points system is going to be,’” Wallace clarified the exact conversation.

NASCAR-renowned journalist Bob Pockrass recently reported that the official updates from NASCAR regarding the new playoff format are not going to come out until January.

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Chris Rice clarified his comments that he had with Kenny Wallace regarding playoff changes

Following a surge of intense reactions from fans online, Chris Rice took to his X (formerly Twitter) account to clarify his comments regarding the anticipated playoff changes, saying that those remarks were intended for host Kenny Wallace, not for the NASCAR fanbase.

“This is the truth!!! I was talking to @Kenny_Wallace not everyone else.” Rice wrote.

The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season is set to kick off with the preseason exhibition event Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium on February 1, before the prestigious Daytona 500, the first points-paying race of the season.

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Edited by Yash Soni