Kenny Wallace Updates Fans on Frankie 'Jughead' Rawlins' Health & NASCAR Next Gen Car Debate (2025)

Imagine the shock of learning that a beloved NASCAR icon has drifted away from a decades-long partnership—could health be the only culprit, or is there a deeper rift brewing in the racing world? That's the bombshell Kenny Wallace dropped recently, sparking whispers and speculations among fans. But here's where it gets personal: Wallace isn't just any driver; he's sharing updates on a man who's been like family to him. Stay tuned as we dive into the details, and trust me, the NASCAR tech debates that follow might just have you questioning everything you thought you knew about the sport.

Kenny Wallace, the seasoned Cup Series veteran whose career is etched in the annals of racing history (check out his profile at Sportskeeda for the full story), recently gave fans a heartfelt glimpse into the life of his longtime companion and former crew member, Frankie 'Jughead' Rawlins. In a straightforward comment on social media, Wallace revealed that the two are 'no longer together,' meaning they've parted ways professionally. Yet, he was quick to reassure everyone that Rawlins is doing remarkably well health-wise, maintaining a healthy weight and staying on top of his conditions. It's a bittersweet update that leaves us wondering about the human side of racing—friendships forged in the pits, tested by time and trials.

To put this in context, Rawlins has battled a series of serious health challenges over the years. Back in 2017, he suffered not one, but two heart attacks, a terrifying ordeal that could have ended anyone's story. Then came skin cancer, a relentless foe that demanded aggressive treatment. Now, at 60 years old, he's grappling with Colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease that causes severe diarrhea and can be incredibly debilitating. For beginners learning about this, think of it as your gut lining inflaming unpredictably, leading to constant discomfort and urgent bathroom trips—it's not just inconvenient; it can disrupt daily life and require ongoing medical management. Rawlins is currently seeking care at the prestigious Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, a place renowned for cutting-edge treatments that give hope to patients worldwide.

Wallace, ever the supportive friend, once launched a GoFundMe campaign to rally funds for Rawlins' medical expenses. But it's been a full year since Rawlins made an appearance on Wallace's popular YouTube channel, prompting fan curiosity. One avid follower, Kevin McDonald, reached out on X (formerly Twitter) with a polite inquiry: 'Kenny, Where is Jughead? Is he no longer able to help out? Just wondering as we haven’t seen or heard from him in awhile.' Wallace responded candidly via X (@Kenny_Wallace), stating, 'Jughead and myself are no longer together. His health is awesome and his weight is doing good.' This exchange highlights the evolving dynamics in personal and professional relationships within the racing community, where health hurdles can redefine bonds.

And this is the part most people miss: the emotional toll on everyone involved. While Rawlins focuses on recovery, Wallace has moved on to new ventures. Retiring from full-time Cup Series racing in 2015, the driver now thrives in the adrenaline-pumping world of dirt racing, where he recently clinched a victory in Charleston, Illinois. It's a testament to his resilience, but it also begs the question: how do legends like him navigate life after the spotlight?

Shifting gears now to a topic that's dividing NASCAR fans like never before— the controversial Next Gen car. Wallace isn't shying away from the debate; in fact, he's weighing in on the criticisms that the Next Gen car is pulling NASCAR away from its authentic stock car heritage. In a relaxed chat on his 'Coffee with Kenny' podcast, the veteran driver tackled these claims head-on, urging fans to face reality. 'Did you know the rear of my wife's Suburban is just like the rear of a NASCAR stock car? Same thing,' he quipped around the 6:50 mark, using a relatable example to break it down for newcomers. He explained that true 'stock' cars today aren't stuck in the past; they're modern marvels adapted to current engineering. 'NASCAR stock car is stock. And guys, we can't go back to 1970, okay? We can't because that's not the way they build cars anymore. The carburetor is gone for the most part. I mean, everybody's still got straight axles in the rear, but independent suspension is the way a lot of these, you know, rear independent suspension. A lot of these cars don't have straight axles anymore,' he elaborated, clarifying that evolution is inevitable in a sport chasing innovation and safety.

Yet, the Next Gen car isn't without its flaws. It's no secret that these vehicles struggle in what's called 'dirty air'—the turbulent wake behind another car that disrupts aerodynamics, making it harder to follow closely. While they perform decently on larger intermediate tracks, the real drama unfolds on short tracks, where racing has felt sluggish and overtaking has become a chore. To combat this, NASCAR has implemented extreme tire wear (falloff, as racers call it) to force pit stops and create passing opportunities, and they're gearing up for a horsepower increase in 2026 to inject more excitement. But here's where it gets controversial: is this sacrificing the raw, unpredictable essence of stock car racing for packaged thrills? Wallace's stance—that we can't rewind to the 1970s—might rub some purists the wrong way. In a recent episode of Dale Jr. Download, NASCAR's Steve O'Donnell chatted with Dale Earnhardt Jr., revealing the backstory: teams were hemorrhaging money on custom parts, pushing costs sky-high and scaring off new owners. The Next Gen was introduced to slash expenses and democratize the sport, but critics argue it's homogenized the competition, turning unique builds into cookie-cutter machines. For instance, imagine if every car on the road looked the same—where's the creativity that made legends like Wallace stand out?