JOILET, Ill. – Despite a lot of chatter about his future as a possible Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series driver for Richard Petty Motorsports, Darrell Wallace Jr. said Friday morning at Chicagoland Speedway that nothing has been finalized.
What has been finalized for this weekend at least is Wallace’s return to the NASCAR XFINITY Series in a one-race deal with Biagi-DenBeste Racing who will have the support of Nickelodeon for Saturday afternoon’s TheHouse.com 300.
Still, even with his return to the XFINITY Series and a cool sponsor, Wallace can’t detour away from the speculation of his future at RPM, especially since the team announced earlier this week that current driver Aric Almirola will not return next season.
“Things with the 43, that’s still shaking out. That’s in RPM’s hands right now,” Wallace said. “Obviously, with the news that came out the other day it’s been kind of a head case, and they’re pushing hard to fight through some different things. I’m supporting them, but nothing set in stone yet. We’re still trying to figure out what we need to do.”
The biggest hold on Wallace’s future is RMP’s ability to find a primary sponsor after Smithfield Foods announced it would leave the company after five seasons in lieu of Stewart-Haas Racing.
Unfortunately, a lack of sponsorship is something that Wallace has become all too familiar with. While sitting comfortably inside the top-five in the championship standings, Roush Fenway Racing ceased operations of his XFINITY Series ride because of funding.
Still, Wallace realizes this is an issue he has faced throughout most of his racing career.
“I haven’t had a sponsor in 15 years of racing, so I’ve been doing that since day one. No matter who the team is,” Wallace said of trying to find financial support.
“(RPM’s) working hard on their end and I’m working hard on my end trying to get somebody to latch on.
Often dubbed in the NASCAR garage as a funny, quick-witted, but talented driver, Wallace says it’s been a little surprising the has never landed a partner who has stuck with him long-term.
Admitting he also doesn’t understand some of the judgement sponsors make, Wallace quickly rebutted with, “But it’s not my call.”
RPM’s interest in a home long-term future with the iconic organizations stems from the two being tied together when Wallace subbed for Almirola for four Cup races after he suffered a back injury during a Cup race at Kansas Speedway in May.
The Mobile, Ala. native impressed with his quick ability to adapt to a Cup car, reeling in three top-20 finishes in the process. In his final race driving the No. 43 Ford at Kentucky in July, Wallace earned a career-high 11th after starting 17th.
Despite the brief marriage for now, both sides were incredibly grateful for not only the opportunity – but the confidence their short stint brought.
“What we did a couple of months ago was pretty special,” sounded Wallace, “and showcased what we can do as a pair if we can get things worked out: To bring them really good finishes, represent their brands the way they need to be and get them rolling off in the right (direction).
In a sport where he often was the center of attention contending for championship after championship, no longer being full-time has taken its toll on him.
Since Almirola’s return in July and XFINITY Series ride on the sidelines, the 23-year-old has competed in just one NASCAR national series race since.
Last month, MDM Motorsports put Wallace back in the Truck Series for the first time since 2014 and they won at Michigan International Speedway.
It proved that Wallace with the right fit can still win races.
He’ll try to do the same Saturday in a one-off driving the No. 98 Nickelodeon Green Ford.
No matter what though, Wallace seems certain to remain positive about the future, whatever it holds.
“Definitely makes you sit back and realize what all you went through. It’s a humbling experience, for sure. It sucks,” Wallace said of not having a full-time ride. “You definitely want to be driving each and every weekend – each and every day if you could – because that’s what you grew up doing.
“But these little minor setbacks are cause for a great comeback, and I feel like something good is going to come out of this. At least that’s what my mom tells me every time I get frustrated; she’s always telling me to stay positive, keep your head up and God’s got a plan. So, trust in that and see how we’re going to shake out.”
Follow Chris Knight on Twitter @Knighter01.
