Wally Dallenbach Jr. had an in-and-out season in 1998. Initially, Dallenbach was scheduled to drive 15 races out of the SABCO stable in the #46 First Union car. However, a series of early season disappointments soon led to Dallenbach's dismissal from that ride.
Dallenbach returned to the Winston Cup scene in the #50 Hendrick Motorsports car as a replacement for the injured Ricky Craven. A number of strong runs re-established Dallenbach's credibility, only to have the driver again step aside when Craven returned from his injuries. Craven was later released from the team -- allowing Dallenbach back in the ride, this time for good. In all, Dallenbach competed in 23 Winston Cup events in 1998 posting three Top 10 finishes. His best run was a 7th in the Pocono 500. For 1999, Dallenbach will return to the Hendrick Motorsports Budweiser Chevrolet.
Dallenbach, son of legendary Indy Car driver Wally Dallenbach Sr., grew up around racing. His career began in earnest in 1983 when, as driver for Dan Gurney in IMSA GTO, Wally scored wins at Riverside and Charlotte. Joining the SCCA, he took Trans-Am Rookie of the Year honors in 1984. Wally's career really took off on the road courses in 1985 and 1986 when he scored back-to-back SCCA Trans-Am Drivers Champion titles for Roush Racing. That earned him a ticket to the IROC Series in 1987 where he finished fourth in points. He moved to the IMSA GTO ranks in 1988-89 where he was series runner-up in back-to-back seasons. He then moved to open-wheel competition in 1990, making four Indy Car starts driving for Leadercard Racers. His best finish for the team was ninth on Denver's street circuit. Dallenbach also sports four division titles in the IMSA Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona, those coming in '85, '91, '92 and '93.
In 1991, during the 24 Hours of Daytona, Ford executives introduced Dallenbach to NASCAR Winston Cup owner Junie Donlavey. The two reached an agreement and Dallenbach started his first Winston Cup race a month and a half later in Atlanta. He ran a partial schedule that year for Donlavey. Dallenbach went on to compete full-time in NASCAR's premier series for such teams as Roush Racing ('92 - '93), Petty Enterprises ('94), Bill Davis Racing (one event, '95) and Bud Moore Engineering ('96). His best finishes came with near-victories at Watkins Glen, NY, in both 1993 and 1995.
Wally now resides in Mooresville, NC, with his wife Robin and three children, Jacob, Wyatt and Kate.
