For the first time in nearly 50 years, NASCAR will have a full-time African-American driver with the signing of Darrell “Bubba” Wallace Jr. by Richard Petty Motorsports for the 2018 season.

The 24-year-old Wallace will become the first black driver to compete for the championship at stock cars’ top level since Wendell Scott did so last in 1971.

Earlier this year, Wallace competed in four races for Petty while Aric Almirola recovered from a broken back. Wallace got progressively better in each attempt, finishing 26th at Pocono (PA) Raceway, 19th at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, MI, 15th at Daytona (FL) International Speedway, and 11th at Kentucky Speedway ion Sparta, KY.

“This is a dream come true to race for ‘The King,’ Richard Petty Motorsports, the iconic No. 43 and for all the fans and partners that have and continue to support this team,” Wallace said in a team press release. “I believe in what Richard Petty Motorsports is doing and their desire to win races. I believe this team, its partners and fans are ready to see some great things again. 

"I’m humbled that they have chosen me to take that next step with them. I’m ready for next season to begin and to prove to people that we can compete at the level we all expect to be at.”

In October 2013, Wallace became the first African-American driver to win a NASCAR touring race in more than 50 years. Wallace won the Kroger 200 Camping World Truck Series at Martinsville (VA) Speedway that year. He’s added four more wins since, including one on the dirt track of Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio.

Scott is the only other black driver to win at one of NASCAR’s top levels, with a victory at Jacksonville (FL) Speedway Park in 1963.

“We have hired a lot of different drivers in the past, but Wallace brings a lot of youth and talent to our team,” team co-owner Richard Petty said. “He’s proven at a young age to be able to be consistent on a weekly basis, give feedback to the team to help improve the car, and race hard to get the best finish possible. He knows how to win, too. His records leading up to the top levels of NASCAR speak for themselves. 

"We feel that Bubba can immediately come in and compete. He’s really eager to show what he can do and that he belongs in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.”

Petty’s former driver Almirola is expected to move to Stewart-Haas Racing for 2018.