Darrell Wallace Jr., better known as "Bubba" has raced his way into the Monster Energy Cup Series. Throughout the history of NASCAR racing, there has always been a driver who bursts on to the scene and changes the nature of the sport. The "King" Richard Petty won a record 200 races and seven championships in the 70's and 80's. Then came Dale Earnhardt who in the 80's and 90's won a record-tying seven championships until his tragic death in the 2001 Daytona 500. Now it's Jimmie Johnson who also has a record-tying seven championships.
Now for the first time, there is a driver who is not only changing the nature of the series but the culture.
African-American driver Bubba Wallace has worked his way through the Truck, Xfinity, and now to the premier series in NASCAR. Wallace finished second in this years running of the Daytona 500. Making him the highest finishing African-American in the history of the sport. NASCAR has been a predominantly white sport over the years with only a few African-Americans entering the sport.
The most popular African-American in the Monster Energy Series
His constant smile and youthful exuberance have made him a favorite both on and off the track. Wallace has single-handedly changed the cultural diversity of NASCAR, giving the sport an even brighter future for the African-Americans and other cultures worldwide.
Driving the number 43 car in the Monster Energy Series is some big shoes to fill for anyone let alone being African-American. Putting the two together has rejuvenated Richard Petty Motorsports., putting them back in the spotlight. A spotlight that Richard Petty had for years in the 43 car. Being a NASCAR fan my whole life it's nice to see the number 43 get the notoriety it deserves again.
Wallace is among a handful of young drivers who are the next generation of NASCAR. With drivers such as William Byron, Daniel Suarez, Chase Elliot, and Ryan Blaney, the future of the sport looks bright. The mixture of youth and veterans of the sport such as Jimmie Johnson, Martin Truex Jr, and Kevin Harvick, give the sport its appeal to the older and newer generations.
Bringing different cultures together
NASCAR is opening the door for the youth of America. Black, white no matter what color or race we all need to stand together and make this world a better place for tomorrow. We all share a common bond we are all human. We all must do our part to end racial equality.
