DAYTONA BEACH, Florida (AP) — Steve Wallace, son of former NASCAR champion Rusty Wallace, will make his Sprint Cup debut in the season-opening Daytona 500.
Wallace will drive the No. 77 Toyota for his father's team, Rusty Wallace Racing. The entry is guaranteed a starting spot in the 43-car field because Rusty Wallace is taking over ownership points from Penske Racing.
Larry Carter, general manager for RWR, will serve as the team's crew chief.
Rusty Wallace believes the new pavement around Daytona International Speedway will eliminate handling issues and level the playing field in NASCAR's premier event.
The younger Wallace has four top-15 finishes at Daytona in the Nationwide Series. His father failed to win the Daytona 500 in 22 attempts.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.
