NASCAR Richard Petty Motorsports

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2018 NASCAR Drive For Diversity Development Team Announced

The NASCAR 2018 Drive for Diversity Driver Development Class is the front row from left, Ernie Francis, Jr., Ryan Vargas, Isabella Robusto and second row, Nick Sanchez, Ruben Garcia, Jr. and Chase Cabre posed for photographers on November 7, 2017, in Concord, North Carolina. Photo – Bob Leverone/Getty Images

Six Drivers Tabbed to Compete For Rev Racing Next Season

The youngest NASCAR PEAK Mexico Series champion. The youngest driver to win four Trans-Am championships. And the 2016 Wendell Scott Trailblazer Award winner. Continue reading

Bubba Wallace Caps Long NASCAR Journey with Move to RPM

Darrell Wallace Jr., the driver of the #98 Nickelodeon Green Slime Ford, stands on the grid during qualifying for the NASCAR XFINITY Series TheHouse.com 300 at Chicagoland Speedway on September 16, 2017, in Joliet, Illinois. Photo – Biran Lawdermilk/Getty Images

The historical and social significance of his move to Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series racing is not lost on Darrell “Bubba” Wallace Jr., who was announced on Wednesday as the driver of the iconic No. 43 car fielded by Richard Petty Motorsports.

Wallace will be the first African-American driver to compete fulltime at NASCAR’s highest level since NASCAR Hall of Famer Wendell Scott posted the final four of his 147 career top-tens in 1971.

Does that add pressure to Wallace’s ascendance to the Monster Energy Series level? The simple answer is

“Yes.”

“There’ve been a lot of people who’ve come up through the ranks and tried to carry on the legacy that Wendell Scott had laid down for us, and for me to step in that realm and take on that role is a lot of pressure,” acknowledged Wallace, a product of NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity and NASCAR Next programs.

“But we’re going to go out there and continue to do what we do on and off the race track, and that’s to represent the brand of myself and (team co-owner) Richard Petty and his image the best way I can and continue to grow together.”

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Bubba Wallace Hopes RPM Ride Materializes for 2018

Darrell Wallace Jr., the driver of the #98 Nickelodeon Green Slime Ford, sits in his car during practice for the NASCAR XFINITY Series TheHouse.com 300 at Chicagoland Speedway on September 15, 2017, in Joliet, Illinois. Photo – Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images

As far as Richard Petty Motorsports is concerned, there are two known quantities where the legendary race team is concerned.

First, Aric Almirola will not be behind the wheel of the No. 43 RPM Ford next season. Second, sponsor Smithfield Foods has opted not to renew its support for RPM next year, choosing instead to shift its backing to Stewart-Haas Racing. Continue reading