By By SCOTT NOVAK / Niles Daily Star
NILES - Apparently 2005 wasn't Rusty Wallace's “Last Call.”
On Wednesday ABC/ESPN announced that Wallace, a 25-year veteran of NASCAR, was named their lead analyst when the networks return to the sport in 2007.
Wallace will actually begin work immediately with ESPN and will be part of the broadcast team that covers the IRL this season.
Wallace, who was in Iowa helping promote the first driver-built complex - Iowa Speedway - said that he felt like moving into the broadcast booth was something he could do once he retired from racing.
Wallace drove the No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge for Penske South Racing through the 2005 season.
His “Last Call” tour saw him finish eighth in the NASCAR standings in 2005.
Due to his ties with Roger Penske, Wallace said he is thrilled to be covering the IRL this season, including the Indianapolis 500.
Wallace signed a six year deal with ABS/ESPN and said that his broadcast style will be a lot like his driving.
Norby Williamson, ESPN's executive vice president, studio and remote prodution, said that the network is thrilled to have Wallace on board.
Besides promoting his new track, Wallace is preparing to take part in the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway this weekend.
Wallace is paired with IRL star Danica Patrick, Allan McNish and part-time NASCAR driver Boris Said.
Williamson said that Wallace will work about 30 weekends this season, but this is by no way a test run for the NASCAR veteran.
He will appear with Chris Fowler for ESPN's SportsCenter coverage of the Daytona 500 in February and he will be a part of a daily motorsports show on ESPN2.