Wallace seeks advice before milestone start

LONG POND » Darrell Wallace Jr. was chased by autograph seekers in the Pocono garage Friday, all wanting a memento from the Cup series rookie. The fans with photos and Sharpies all missed Dale Earnhardt Jr. stroll by Wallace on the way to his car.

Wallace tried to treat practice like any other NASCAR rookie and not the guy who on Sunday will become just the eighth black driver to race in the top Cup series. His No. 43 Ford had a yellow stripe on the rear bumper that signified to the field a rookie was at the wheel. He even went straight to the top for some racing advice on how to handle the track with the longest frontstretch in NASCAR, calling seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson for qualifying tips.

The 23-year-old Wallace has been mountain biking with Johnson and had no problem asking the winner of 83 career Cup races for some guidance.

“Did you notice my qualifying starts? I’m not the best at this,” Johnson laughed, recalling the conversation.

Wallace has tried to fit in as best he could like any other driver making his debut in the middle of the NASCAR season. Johnson doled out advice. Retired four-time champion Jeff Gordon texted his congratulations, then gushed about Wallace on TV.

“I just think this is an incredible moment for our sport and this young man,” Gordon said on the broadcast.

Wallace’s laps during NASCAR’s first practice session were amplified because of the little slice of history he made at Pocono Raceway. Wallace, the son of a white father and black mother, seemed at ease on the track and off — handling fans, the car and the media with the confidence of a veteran.

Wallace, more commonly referred to by his nickname “Bubba,” understands his arrival marks a diversity milestone for NASCAR.

“I pay attention to it, but I don’t label that on myself as we’re out there. ‘Oh, AfricanAmerican just passed this guy for the first time in 12 days,”’ he said, smiling.