TALLADEGA, AL - OCTOBER 13: Darrell Wallace Jr., driver of the #43 Medallion Bank/Petty's Garage Chevrolet, stands by his car during qualifying for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 1000Bulbs.com 500 at Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
Bubba Wallace is driving for 23XI Racing now, but he would surely have fond memories from his time at Richard Petty Motorsports (RPM). His association with the legend that is Richard ‘The King’ Petty is something he will cherish for his lifetime.
Wallace first auditioned for a full-time seat at the team back in 2017 when he appeared in the No.43 car for four races. Speaking to a podcast, he revealed what he received from the seven-time Cup champion during that time.
The No.23 stated, “The first thing I got from him which I thought was cooler than anything. This was when I filled in for those four races during 2017 before starting off full-time.”
“He called me and he’s like ‘Hey I want you to come up to Level Cross, to Petty’s garage, the museum’. And at the end of that tour, got to see all the racecars there, the Dodges and everything…”
For those familiar with Petty’s dressing style, one would have observed him frequently wearing a cowboy hat. Undoubtedly, an autographed memoir like that holds much value, and Wallace reveals it is now part of his living room showcase!
“And I walked away with one of his cowboy hats that he signed, and this was before I was a part of the team or anything full-time. I thought that was one of the coolest things, so it’s a centerpiece here downstairs in my living room.
“That’s a great conversation piece for sure, but it’s a centerpiece on my table. Always have that,” concluded Wallace.
After racing in four events during the 2017 Cup season, he impressed the team management and got himself a seat for 2018. Wallace then made an immediate impact after joining by earning a stunning second-place finish at the Daytona 500.
He largely fought for top half finishes whilst at RPM, but achieved some amazing top-10s as well. But when the chance to work with Michael Jordan and Toyota appeared, Wallace naturally took it up.
He will now aim to take the next step in his career by achieving consistency with 23XI Racing. But that said, Wallace would always have a special place in his heart for Mr. Petty and his team.
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