While Aric Almirola is still recovering from an injury sustained during a crash several weeks ago, Richard Petty Motorsports has given several young drivers a chance to race in the iconic No. 43 car.
Bubba Wallace has raced in the car during the last two weeks, and he earned his first career top-20 finish last weekend at Michigan International Speedway.
Richard Petty Motorsports has announced that Billy Johnson will make his NASCAR Cup Series debut this weekend at Sonoma in the No. 43 car.
Excited to make my @NASCAR @MonsterEnergy Cup debut this weekend @RaceSonoma & honored to be driving the @FordPerformance @RPMotorsports #43 pic.twitter.com/NEE7tNgwvp
— Billy Johnson (@BillyJRacing) June 19, 2017
Related: Bubba Wallace Jr. starred in an emotional behind the scenes video before his first Cup Series race
Johnson is a road course specialist, and he previously worked with Almirola at the Ford Performance racing school. Johnson said in a statement that he is appreciative of the opportunity to make his Cup Series debut.
"It is going to be awesome. It will be my first NASCAR Cup race and to debut in the 43 car, one of the most iconic numbers to ever race in NASCAR, is a huge honor," Johnson said. "Richard Petty Motorsports is a great organization. To have the chance to make my Cup debut for the King is surreal, and I appreciate them putting me in the car."
Bubba Wallace will return to the No. 43 car at Daytona, and he will continue driving the car until Almirola returns from injury.
(h/t NASCAR.com)