For Bubba Wallace, 2019 hasn’t been very much fun. The second year driver has dealt with a lack of on track success, coupled with rumors of Richard Petty Motorsports’ demise. Wallace has been outspoken about his struggles mentally as of late, so as you can imagine — Saturday night’s effort was much needed.
Wallace drove the famed No. 43 into the All-Star race, transferring into the big show after winning the second stage of The Open. Wallace was near the front of the pack throughout the event, nearly winning the first stage after a late caution spoiled Daniel Hemric’s big lead.
William Byron got a little physical with Wallace, slowing his momentum just enough to grab the stage win. During the second stage, it was Wallace’s turn to steal one.
Alex Bowman and Daniel Suarez were battling it out in stage two until a late yellow bunched the field up again. Taking advantage of that restart, Wallace powered to the front of the field. He held off a charge from Daniel Suarez on the bottom, who was sent spinning after trying to get under Wallace through the tri-oval.
THAT. WAS. ALSO. AWESOME.@CocaColaRacing's Bubba Wallace and the No. 43 team transfer to the All-Star Race. #OrangeVanilla pic.twitter.com/7KAP2ZK1I6
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) May 18, 2019
Wallace held on to win stage two, seemingly relieving himself of some pressure in the process. The scene in the garage afterwards was emotional, as tears came to Wallace’s eye during his interview.
"I've been feeling like a failure for a really long time." An emotional Bubba Wallace on what this means for him and his team. pic.twitter.com/jFBwCZfxk1
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) May 18, 2019
Best friend, first. Competitor, second.@BubbaWallace | @Blaney | #AllStarRace pic.twitter.com/KKZyUCFsAj
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) May 19, 2019
Wallace posted a season-best finish of 17th at Martinsville earlier this season. The NASCAR Cup Series sophomore has finished outside of the top 25 in 8 of 12 races this season.
However, Wallace brought it home 5th last night in the All Star race, giving his team some much needed momentum and confidence heading into the summer. Maybe more importantly, it gave Wallace something to smile about for the first time in a long time.
Terry Lambert is the Co-Owner of FifthTurn.com, which covers all things NASCAR.
