CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Darrell Wallace Jr. will become the first black driver to race at NASCAR's top level since 2006 when he replaces injured Aric Almirola this weekend at Pocono Raceway.

Richard Petty Motorsports says that Wallace, more commonly referred to by his nickname "Bubba," will be the replacement in the No. 43 until Almirola returns.

The 23-year-old Wallace is only the fourth black driver in one of NASCAR's top national series. Wendell Scott raced from 1961-73 in Cup, Willy T. Ribbs did three Cup races in 1986 and Bill Lester raced sporadically from 1999 until 2007 at all three national levels.

More From 1460 ESPN