In a field of 11 race car drivers, Andalusia High School senior Zak Wallace finished the 2010 season second place in points.

Wallace said 2010 was one of the “best” racing years he’s had in his career as a driver.

“All in all, it was probably one of the best years I’ve had in my whole experience in racing,” he said. “My team worked really hard getting the car set up just how it needed to be. It was a great season, and everyting went like it should.”

Wallace’s most recent race was last October in the South Alabama Speedway Cuplite Division.

He earned 595 points for the season, which was 43 less than the first place winner.

Wallace had five wins, three second place finishes, one third place finish and two fifth place finishes in 2010.

Wallace said the main key to success for him was taking advantage of opportunities when they arose.

“If I saw something that could help me, I’d do what I can to see that opportunity to make it mine and get in front,” he said. “I’d do what I could and drive how I could, and really being responsible at the same time. Really, making quick actions is really what got me where I was.”

Wallace along with his family, friends and fans attended the South Alabama Speedway Race Banquet at Enterprise-Ozark Community College on Jan. 15.

There, Wallace was awarded a trophy, two certificates worth $175 and was also recognized as a driver who did not miss a race in 2010. Additionally, he was awarded an already paid entry to the 2011 Rattler Race in March, which is the first race of this season.

“I’m looking forward to this season,” Wallace said. “This year I’ll be working even harder to see if I can work in a first place finish since I’ll be joining the Marines. I want to make the most of this season as I can.”

Wallace will graduate this May from AHS, and has enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserves.

Wallace is the son of Jeff and Sonia (Henderson) Wallace of Andalusia.