Daytona 500 runner-up and fan favorite Darrell “Bubba” Wallace, 24, is eager to get his rookie Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series program back on track following his celebrated season start. And “The Paperclip” at Martinsville may be just what he needs.
Wallace is ranked 19th in the points standings – one position ahead of fellow Sunoco Rookie of the Year contender William Byron. And the popular Richard Petty Motorsports driver couldn’t feel more positive about a venue than Martinsville. He’s won here twice in the Camping World Truck Series and that included his first NASCAR national series win in 2013.
“This is a really big weekend for us,’’ said Wallace, who will drive the No. 43 STP Chevrolet.
“STP is the title sponsor of the race and we are running the STP Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 that I helped design.
“I told the guys last week after California that I really want to win this one. I have two grandfather clocks [the trophy awarded to all Martinsville winners], but I need one in Cup.
“I love this track and the people. The (Wendell) Scott family, this is their home track too. So just a lot of history in this track. The King has so much history here too. Just a lot of great things going into the weekend.
Wallace’s 20th place finish at Auto Club Speedway on Sunday was his best showing since the spectacular Daytona 500 runner-up.
“We made a small step forward at California and I think we’re learning and getting better,’’ Wallace said. “I know what I need in the car this weekend, how it’s supposed to feel. I have a lot of confidence going into the weekend.’’
Source: Holly Cain | NASCAR Wire Service
