Seven years ago, Bubba Wallace highlighted the significant pressure caused by underfunding while racing for Richard Petty Motorsports (RPM). The team struggled financially throughout the 2019 season, impacting their ability to compete with well-funded rivals. Loss of key sponsors before the season, including Click ‘N Close and STP, left the No. 43 car with limited support beyond Petty’s Garage and Medallion Bank.
During that difficult period, Wallace spoke openly about the challenges that new sponsors failed to grasp regarding the importance of adequate funding in racing performance.
“I think the biggest thing is dollar signs. Over the years we have kind of tip-toed around that, but that’s enough of that. We’re behind on money. It’s all about being up front and being blunt. It’s coming down to a crucial time, we just have to start running better,” Bubba Wallace said (via AutoWeek).
“I’m competitive and look at results, and new companies don’t understand that the more money you spend, the better you do. It is hard to get their heads wrapped around that,” he added.
Early Promise and Increasing Difficulties With RPM
Bubba Wallace began racing full-time with RPM in 2018, driving the iconic No. 43 car. That year, he achieved a second-place finish at the Daytona 500 and earned runner-up honors for Rookie of the Year. However, the following season exposed RPM’s resource limitations more clearly, with the team’s 2019 performance falling short of the previous year’s results.
At the Bristol race, Wallace described having to cope with outdated equipment and worsening tire wear. The team struggled due to lack of new parts and limited engineering support, complicating efforts to remain competitive on the track.
The Decision to Leave Richard Petty Motorsports
By September 2020, after securing multiple sponsorships, Bubba Wallace announced he would not be returning to RPM in 2021. This decision marked a turning point amid continued frustrations with the team’s financial constraints.
“This was not an easy decision as I have nothing but the utmost respect for Richard Petty and his family, but I believe it’s time for someone else to take over the reins of the No. 43. Thank you to the King and everyone at Richard Petty Motorsports for giving me the opportunity to start my Cup Series career,” Bubba Wallace said in a statement on X.
“I hope we can finish the 2020 season on a high note,” he added.
Despite these difficulties, the 2020 season was Wallace’s career best at RPM, with five top-10 finishes and a 22nd place in overall points, though he did not qualify for the playoffs. He personally secured sponsors such as DoorDash, Columbia, Cash App, and Beats by Dre, helping ease funding challenges.
His exit cleared the way for Erik Jones to take over the No. 43 car in 2021.
The Fate of Richard Petty Motorsports Following Wallace’s Departure
After Wallace’s departure, RPM faced further transition. In late 2021, the team was sold to Maury Gallagher and eventually merged into what became the Legacy Motor Club by 2023. This change marked the end of RPM as it had been known during Wallace’s tenure, underscoring the long-term financial difficulties the team faced.
