CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Darrell Wallace Jr. will become the first black full-time driver at NASCAR’s top level since 1971 when he takes over Richard Petty’s iconic ride next season.

The 24-year-old Wallace became the first black driver to race at NASCAR’s top level since 2006 when he replaced an injured Aric Almirola earlier this year. At the time, Petty recalled, he wasn’t sure he wanted Wallace as a replacement.

But Petty said race was never an issue.