Who Are the Most Influential Blacks in Motorsports?

Sentinel; Los Angeles, Calif. › August 25, 2009

Linked as:

Summary

[WENDELL SCOTT] was the first-and so far only-African-American driver to ever win a NASGAR Grand National race. He drove on the NASGAR Grand National Circuit from 1961-1973. Although racing with old and outdated equipment from other teams, Scott finished 12th in the points standings in 1964-despite missing several races due to lack of funds. He had numerous top ten finishes from 1965 -1969. His one victory came in Jacksonville, Ra. in 1963. In 495 starts Scott had one victory, 20 top five finishes and 147 top ten finishes. Scott was inducted into the National Motor Sports Hall of Fame in 1999.

Owner of Martin Motorsports, [HAROLD MARTIN] is also the team's builder, engineer, and driver. Martin holds numerous track records and has finished in the top ten five times in the International hot Rod Association's World Points Series. A motivational speaker and a spokesman for GM's diversity programs, Martin also helps high school students realize their dreams. He currently drives an AC-Delco sponsored Pontiac Grand Am in the IHRA Pro-Modified class and the American Drag Racing League Pro Nitrous class.

BILL LESTER, GRAND AM SERIES Now driving in the Grand Am Rolex Series for Southard Toyota Racing, in 2006, Lester was the first Black driver to qualify for and lead a top level NASCAR race in 20 years.