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What’s new in NASCAR 2018: New drivers, teams, numbers and more

By Nick Tylwalk

LAS VEGAS, NV - JANUARY 31: William Byron, driver of the #24 Liberty University Chevrolet during testing for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway on January 31, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images for NASCAR)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JANUARY 31: William Byron, driver of the #24 Liberty University Chevrolet during testing for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway on January 31, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images for NASCAR) /
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LAS VEGAS, NV – JANUARY 31: Darrell Wallace Jr., driver of the #43 Click n’ Close Ford attends the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series testing at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway on January 31, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images for NASCAR)
LAS VEGAS, NV – JANUARY 31: Darrell Wallace Jr., driver of the #43 Click n’ Close Ford attends the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series testing at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway on January 31, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images for NASCAR) /

Bubba Wallace

What’s new: Getting a chance to show his stuff at the Cup Series level with the Petty camp.

Wallace’s 2017 season was a lesson in perseverance. Despite losing his XFINITY Series ride partway through the year, Bubba got a chance to substitute for an injured Aric Almirola with Richard Petty Motorsports. He lost that gig too when Almirola returned, but his solid performance convinced the King to give him a call when the No. 43 seat opened up.

Now Wallace is all smiles, and who can blame him? It won’t be an easy road driving for the perpetually outgunned RPM team, but the more modest expectations there can also work in one’s favor (as Almirola seems to be evidence of himself). In other words, no one necessarily expects Wallace to win any races, but if he does, what a story it will be.

Next: 3 Cup Series drivers who need to step it up in 2018

Though he doesn’t play it up unless asked about it, Wallace is also making history as the first African-American full-time Cup Series driver in more than 45 years. That’s no small deal, and one that might only become a bigger one in the years to come provided Wallace can turn some heads at RPM.

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