Racecar driver by Josh Meltzer

In three years, Darrell Wallace Jr. can get a driver's license.

In 10 minutes, the 13-year-old will race a blue, 375-horsepower Chevy Monte Carlo in the Late Model stock car division at speeds of up to 90 mph.

It's another Saturday night in Callaway at Franklin County Speedway. The weekly race series that runs from April through October brings racers from around Virginia and neighboring states. Though only a third of the age and experience of some of his competitors, Wallace, a Concord, N.C., native, is hoping to improve on his third- and fifth- place finishes from his past races at the 3/8-mile track.

Wallace climbs down from atop his race trailer where he has been nervously watching an earlier race, turning in circles so as to constantly keep his eyes on the leaders.

But now it's race time. Zip up suit, fill drink bottle with two orange Gatorades, ear phones in, helmet on, window net in place, fire up engine, green flag.

Early in the 75-lap-race, Wallace passes into third place, then slowly reels in the lead drivers. There is no caution flag this time, which is both a comfort to his dad, Darrell Wallace Sr., (right, in photo) and a disappointment. A caution would have allowed the younger Wallace to get in behind the two leaders to possibly steal the win, but a safe race is always a relief as the checkered flag waves.

His father has been proudly watching his son race since the junior ran go-karts at 9-years-old and has big hopes for moving to the big leagues of racing. Darrell Jr.'s third-place finish tonight is greeted by fans and fellow racers with awe.

"I think he can make it to NASCAR," remarks former track champion John Hall. "He handles the car very well."

Father and son hope so too as NASCAR tries to recruit more minority drivers like Darrell Jr., who is biracial.

Post race, Wallace climbs out of his car for a track-side interview over the loudspeakers. He's confident well beyond his 13 years, saying that with a caution, he would definitely have had second place, possibly the win.

"I think most of the drivers know that he has good equipment just like they do," says racing fan Joe Michael. "And they don't let the age thing bother them."

Wallace has another opinion.

“Usually they come up to congratulate me,” Wallace says. “And then they probably go back to the trailer and be like, ‘Dang, a 13-year-old just beat me.’”

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