Bubba Wallace faced immense pressure ahead of his Richard Petty NASCAR Cup Series debut in 2017 at Pocono Raceway, navigating career uncertainty and personal fears as he stepped in for Aric Almirola. Wallace’s journey marked a pivotal moment, as he broke new ground for African-American drivers while aiming to prove himself at the sport’s highest level.
The Uncertainty and Anxiety Before His Big Break
At just 23, Bubba Wallace prepared for his first NASCAR Cup Series race with Richard Petty Motorsports, driving the legendary No. 43 Ford. His opportunity arose after losing his ride in the Xfinity Series with Roush Fenway Racing due to a sudden loss of sponsorship. With Almirola sidelined by a vertebra injury, Wallace was thrust into the spotlight amid mounting anxiety about his future in racing and beyond.
Reflecting on this period, Wallace openly expressed the emotional toll, stating,
“There were a lot of sleepless nights. You can ask my girlfriend. I was pretty stressed out for a couple days leading up to this. When you’re a young guy, I call me a young guy, I feel old sometimes but it’s pretty stressful now that I understand the business and life itself,”
—Bubba Wallace, Driver. He further shared,
“It’s pretty devastating not knowing what’s next. I’m like, ‘Hell, I didn’t go to college, so I don’t know what I’m going to do.’ The biggest thing for me was just trying to keep that in check and keep those emotions in check,”
—Bubba Wallace, Driver.
Wallace’s debut made him the first African-American driver in the Cup Series since Bill Lester’s appearance in 2006. He had already made history in 2013 as just the second African-American to win in the NASCAR Truck Series. Starting 16th at Pocono, he finished 26th after his engine failed to last the full race distance, but his presence was already significant.
Throughout 2017, Wallace added three more Cup Series starts, achieving his best result—11th place—at Kansas Speedway. Each race added experience and established his place in the sport.
Stepping Into the Iconic No. 43 Full-Time
By late 2017, Wallace was set to join Richard Petty Motorsports on a permanent basis, following the announcement that Aric Almirola would leave the team. This opportunity meant Wallace would helm the storied No. 43 Ford full-time for the upcoming season, becoming the tenth full-time driver to do so since Richard Petty retired in 1992.
Wallace described the importance of this opportunity, saying,
“This is a dream come true to race for ‘The King,’ Richard Petty Motorsports, the iconic No. 43,”
—Bubba Wallace, Driver.
Even as he prepared for this major step, Wallace admitted to uncertainties.
“I didn’t know what the Cup Series was about. I knew it was taking the next step. I didn’t know how big that step was,”
—Bubba Wallace, Driver.
His full debut season showcased promise. In 2018, Wallace achieved a second-place finish at the prestigious Daytona 500 and earned additional top-10 results at Texas and Phoenix. He finished the year second in the Sunoco Rookie of the Year standings, coming in just behind William Byron. Ultimately, Wallace closed the season ranking 28th in points, with an average race finish of 24.50.
Impact of Wallace’s Cup Series Breakthrough
Bubba Wallace’s journey to the Richard Petty NASCAR Cup Series debut symbolized both personal persistence and progress for diversity in American motorsport. By stepping into the No. 43 car, Wallace carried the legacy of drivers like Bill Lester and helped open doors for future African-American drivers in NASCAR. His continued presence on the track amplified these milestones, while his early results, especially the runner-up Daytona 500 finish, established him as a serious competitor. As Wallace continues to race, his experiences offer inspiration for many who aspire to overcome adversity and make their own impact on the sport.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Richard Petty religious?
A. He mentioned the Daytona International Speedway, often referred to as Bill France’s church, as we prepare for night racing on NBC.
Q. Was Richard Petty a smoker?
A. Tobacco has been a big part of Richard Petty’s life, much like stock cars. As a child, he helped on his uncle’s tobacco farm in North Carolina. Richard used to chew tobacco, dip snuff, and smoke cigars. He stopped all these habits five years ago without using any aids.
