In 2017, Bubba Wallace faced intense anxiety and sleepless nights as he prepared for his NASCAR Cup Series debut with Richard Petty Motorsports at Pocono Raceway. The then 23-year-old was uncertain about his racing future after losing his NASCAR Xfinity Series ride when sponsorship fell through for Roush Fenway Racing’s No. 6 team.
Wallace was thrust into the Cup Series spotlight when he filled in for Aric Almirola, who suffered a vertebrae injury before the practice weekend. The pressure and stress of the moment weighed heavily on him as he awaited his chance to race in the No. 43 Ford, an iconic car in NASCAR history.
Early Challenges and Emotional Struggles Before His Debut
Reflecting on his state of mind during that period, Wallace described how difficult it was to manage his emotions and uncertainty about what lay ahead. He spoke candidly about how the imminent debut caused sleepless nights and heightened stress.
“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 said (via Autoweek).
“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,” he added.
In July 2017, Wallace made NASCAR history by becoming the first African-American driver to compete in the Cup Series since Bill Lester took part in 2006. A graduate of the Drive for Diversity program, Wallace had already earned recognition as the second African-American to win a national NASCAR Truck Series race in 2013.
Starting 16th at Pocono, Wallace’s debut was challenging due to engine troubles, forcing him to finish 26th after failing to complete the full 400-mile distance. Over the remainder of the year, he participated in three additional Cup races, achieving a best finish of 11th at Kansas Speedway.
Preparing for a Full-Time Role with Richard Petty Motorsports
By October 2017, Wallace was preparing for a full-time return to the Cup Series with Richard Petty Motorsports, driving the No. 43 car after Aric Almirola’s announced departure. This opportunity was a milestone for Wallace and his career.
“This is a dream come true to race for ‘The King,’ Richard Petty Motorsports, the iconic No. 43,” Bubba Wallace said (via Autoweek).
Wallace became the tenth full-time driver to race the No. 43 since Richard Petty retired in 1992. Despite being familiar with NASCAR’s lower series, he admitted to a lack of understanding about the scope of the Cup Series before joining RPM.
“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,” Wallace said (via NASCAR.com).
Wallace’s rookie season in 2018 produced several highlights, including a second-place finish in the Daytona 500 and two other top-10 results in Texas and Phoenix. He finished the season ranking second in the Sunoco Rookie of the Year standings, behind William Byron, ending the year 28th in points with an average finish of 24.50.
Bubba Wallace’s journey to his NASCAR Cup debut reflects his resilience and determination in facing uncertainty and pressure at a young age. His role with Richard Petty Motorsports marked a significant step in his career and continued the legacy of the No. 43 car in NASCAR’s top series.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did Bubba Wallace ever win a race?
A. Wallace got his first Cup win on October 4, 2021, at Talladega when rain caused the race to end early.
Q. Has Bubba Wallace’s baby been born?
A. Bubba and Amanda posted on Instagram to share the news about their newborn’s arrival. They included several pictures taken during their time in the hospital. The couple welcomed a baby boy on September 29th and chose the name Becks Hayden Wallace for him.
Q. Has Bubba Wallace ever won a race?
A. Bubba Wallace won his third Nascar Cup race, marking his first win in one of the series’ major events. The other top races are the Daytona 500, Coca-Cola 600, and Southern 500. This victory ended a 100-race losing streak, last winning in 2022 at Kansas, and secured him a playoff spot.
Q. Is Bubba Wallace a dad?
A. NASCAR reported on NBC that Bubba Wallace became a father last September. He is thoroughly enjoying his new role as a dad.