Wallace to run full Truck slate in '13

Darrell Wallace Jr. will run a full season in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, driving for Kyle Busch Motorsports.

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Wallace, who will run Nationwide Series races for Joe Gibbs Racing this year as well, has never raced in the Truck ranks. The 19-year-old debuted in Nationwide with four starts in 2012, earning three top-10 finishes and also the pole position at Dover International Speedway.

“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 competed in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East from 2010-2012. He made history in the first race of the 2010 season when he became the series’ youngest and first black driver to win a race at Greenville-Pickens Speedway. Wallace would also earn series’ Rookie of the Year that season.

Team owner Joe Gibbs says he is pleased that Wallace is getting the opportunity to run the full slate of races with Busch, who also competes for JGR in the Sprint Cup and Nationwide series.

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“This is exciting for Darrell, for Joe Gibbs Racing and really for NASCAR I believe,” Gibbs said. “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.”

For his part, Busch – a driver who gained acclaim before hitting age 20 as well – hopes he can help another driver follow his path.

“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.”

Wallace will also run in the ARCA race Saturday at Daytona International Speedway. He will drive the No. 55 Toyota for Venturini Motorsports in the race.