The list of African-American NASCAR Cup Series drivers is not long — Wendell Scott, Willy T. Ribbs and Will Lester have been the only three to date.
Darrell “Bubba” Wallace Jr. is about to be the fourth.
Wallace will take the place of injured Tampa native Aric Almirola at Richard Petty Motorsports on Sunday at Pocono, driving the No. 43 car made famous by seven-time NASCAR champion Petty.
After competing in the Camping World Truck Series, where he became the first African-American to win a race in a NASCAR National series since Scott in 1963, Wallace moved to the Xfinity Series before the announcement that he would make his first Cup appearance.
Wallace said he understands the challenge of taking the step up and believes he’s prepared for it.
“Every step of NASCAR gets more tough and you have to get ready for it,” Wallace said Tuesday on a teleconference. “I’ve definitely given my all and my team has given their all. All the stars have got to be lined up and we’ve got to capitalize on it. We’ve got to go out there and make the most of it.”
Wallace, 23, is a graduate of NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity program, which aims to increase the number of minority drivers in a sport frequently seen as lacking diversity.
Wallace said he believes he is at the front of a major movement in changing the perceptions of the sport.
“This is a huge step for NASCAR and the sport in general,” Wallace said. “I’m glad to be leading the forefront of diversity in NASCAR right now. We’re trying to bring in a new demographic, no matter what race and what age, and we’re trying to bring NASCAR back.”
The perceptions of NASCAR go beyond simply being dominated by white drivers. The sport’s reputation for a fan base unwelcoming to minorities has been a talking point, too, but is something that Wallace says is not true of current fans of the sport.
“I think that’s been shut down a long time ago,” Wallace said. “It’s just a matter of going out to a racetrack, checking the weather, enjoying the sport and seeing that it can be a great day out for anyone.”
The Pocono racetrack, known for its three different-shaped turns and straights of different lengths, can be a challenge to a new driver, but Wallace said that with some work he believes he can handle his first Cup race there, provided he understands he doesn’t need to try too much.
“We’ve had some decent runs there, but it’s one of those places where we always need some work on my end to make sure I can get all I can on my end of the car,” Wallace said. “I’ve been on the simulator to get comfortable with shifting but it’s all about timing and getting comfortable.
“There’s no need for me to go out there, try to set the world on fire, try and just win races. There’s no need for me to force something and tear up a race car for no reason. I just have to show everyone I can manage in this series.”
Wallace may be tempering his goals for the race, but his status as a trailblazer for African-American drivers likely will ensure he gains some attention this weekend. Wallace said he is just proud to make it to this point.
“I’ve been through 14, 15 years of racing,” Wallace said. “I’ve been through a lot of ups and downs, probably more downs and ups, but that’s what keeps you hungry for more. There’s been a lot of blood, sweat and tears and a lot of family sacrifices but you can look back on it and see how far we came.”
The Pocono 400 begins at 3 p.m. Sunday.
Contact Daniel O’Boyle at doboyle@tampabay.com. Follow @dan_o_boyle.