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DAYTONA BEACH, FL – JULY 05: Bubba Wallace, driver of the #43 U.S. Air Force Chevrolet, stands by his car during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

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DAYTONA BEACH, FL – JULY 05: Bubba Wallace, driver of the #43 U.S. Air Force Chevrolet, stands by his car during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
Not many get the opportunity to work for ‘The King’ that is Mr. Richard Petty. So when Bubba Wallace received the chance to do so, he took it with open arms, and a three-year association followed.
Petty has long been considered as one of the most legendary NASCAR drivers. While his wins and titles’ tally stand out, many who have watched him race have talked about his champion mentality as well.
Speaking to a podcast, Wallace talked about the famed duo of Richard Petty and crew chief Dale Inman. He reveals a few key learnings from his time driving for the team that sported the No.43 car.
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Wallace said, “The racing is totally different from back then. And so you’d have to learn how to adapt to that, and both of them did it.”
Incredible how in tune Richard Petty and Dale Inman were with racecars, said Bubba Wallace
“Richard, for both of them being in their 80s, it is incredible how in tune they were with the racecars, with the format of the races, whatever, the ins and outs of NASCAR.”
Formerly known as Petty Enterprises, the pairing emerged to become a force in the NASCAR world during the 70s. Often perceived as ‘unstoppable’, they won seven championships and accumulated 198 race wins, making them one of the most premier teams ever.

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SPARTA, KENTUCKY – JULY 12: Bubba Wallace, driver of the #43 Victory Junction Chevrolet, races Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Freight Toyota, during the NASCAR Cup Series Quaker State 400 Presented by Walmart at Kentucky Speedway in Sparta, Kentucky. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
“So while it was a little difficult hearing, ‘hey this is what we tried back here in the 70s and 80s’. It’s like, well it’s a little bit different now, a little bit faster, the cars are a little different!”
“But it was good to hear and understand the knowledge that they went through. And that they utilized to be the best that they can be,” concluded Wallace.
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The 27-year-old has now moved to try his luck with new franchise 23XI Racing
Having spent a few memorable years, Wallace has now moved to Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing for the new season. Undoubtedly, he would be looking to step up his game at a franchise that naturally comes with some pressure to deliver results.

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Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Bubba Wallace (23) makes a pit stop during the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Therefore, he will now adjust and adapt to undertaking fresh challenges in a whole new chapter of his life. But, he will also look to build on the foundation he imbibed, courtesy of Mr. Petty and his team.
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