JGR Driver Darrell Wallace, Jr. to Run Full Season in NASCAR Camping World Truck Series

Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) announces today that Darrell Wallace, Jr. will run a full season schedule in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series behind the wheel of the Kyle Busch Motorsports No. 54 Toyota Tundra.

 

“I can’t wait to get started,” said Wallace. “I appreciate everyone at Joe Gibbs Racing and Kyle Busch Motorsports for working this out and providing me the opportunity to compete for Rookie of the Year and the Championship in the Truck Series. Having the opportunity to run a full season in the Tundra is exciting. I also appreciate NASCAR for the work they’ve been doing to help drivers like me get these opportunities. Toyota has been a great partner with JGR on their diversity efforts as well and I look forward to continuing our relationship with them. I can’t wait to get on the track at Daytona.”

 

Wallace has impressed at each level he has competed and 2013 will mark the first time he will race in the truck series. Last year, the 19-year-old made his NASCAR Nationwide Series debut with four starts that included three top ten finishes and his first pole award at Dover International Raceway.

 

“This is exciting for Darrell, for Joe Gibbs Racing and really for NASCAR I believe,” said Joe Gibbs, owner of Joe Gibbs Racing. “NASCAR has made tremendous progress through their diversity program and we started our diversity program 10 years ago with Reggie White in hopes of providing opportunities to drivers we think have the ability to grow in our sport. Toyota has been a great partner for us in those efforts and will continue to have a big role with Darrell. We have a great deal of confidence in Darrell and this is a big step in his career.”

 

Wallace spent three seasons competing in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East from 2010-2012. He would make history when in the first race of the 2010 season he became the Series’ youngest and first African American to win a race at Greenville-Pickens Speedway. Wallace would also earn Series’ Rookie of the Year honors that season.

 

“Having Darrell run a full season along with Joey Coulter gives us two young exciting drivers to help further grow our program” said Kyle Busch. “I’ve had the opportunity to race with Darrell and he has proven himself at each level. I can’t wait to see him in one of our Tundras.”

 

JGR/KBM PR