Celebrating the Notable Names of Black Racecar Drivers and NASCAR Pit Crews for Black History Month

Feb 15, 2023

Today we are continuing our Black History Month Celebrations by shining the spotlight on some notable names in the racing industry! From pioneers and trailblazers to household names, these folks have paved the way for inclusion and diversity in professional racing, and inspired new generations to find a love of motorsports and follow in their footsteps!

Wendell Scott

Wendell Scott first found his love for cars by working alongside his father as an auto mechanic. Upon returning home from serving in WWII, he opened his own mechanic shop. At the time the NASCAR circuit was still segregated, Scott raced in the Dixie Circuit in the meanwhile; after some convincing, he managed to secure a NASCAR steward’s approval for a license, and he became the first African American NASCAR licensee. Scott went on to win the Jacksonville 200, and became the first African American driver to win a Nascar race! He went on to compete in 495 Grand National races, and was inducted to the NASCAR Hall of fame in 2015 in honour of his groundbreaking accomplishments. He was the first and only Black Driver to win (what is now called) The Spring Cup Series.

Cheryl Linn Glass

Cheryl Linn Glass was the first ever African American woman professional race-car driver in the US! At the young age of 9, she fell in love with racing quarter-midget cars, and later became a professional driver at age 18, and continued her storied career through 1991. Glass was not only a great race driver, but she was also an entrepreneur. She had a career off the track in designing clothing, modeling, charity work, and educational outreach.

Hayden Swank

Hayden fell in love with racing at the age of 7, racing quarter midget cars first and later racking up more than 20 wins in the professional race circuit. Hayden is not only a professional competitor on the track with his eyes on the prize for a spot in NASCAR’s Cup Series, but he’s also enrolled as a student at the University of Georgia. He’s managed to balance his racing career, sponsorships, and a double-major in advertising and marketing. He hopes to become the second Black full-time driver in the NASCAR Circuit.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTZiQzVJXZw

Bubba Wallace

William Darrell “Bubba” Wallace Jr is the first full-time competitor of color in the NASCAR Cup Series, inspiring new generations of racing fans to follow in his footsteps. Bubb, like he did following Wendell Scott. Wallace is a professional stock car driver who made his Cup Series Debut in 2017. He is the first full-time racer of color in the NASCAR Cup Series since the early 1970s. In 2021, he became the second Black Driver to win the NASCAR Cup Series at Talladega Superspeedway.

Tia Norfleet

Shauntia Latrice “Tia” Norfleet is the daughter of NASCAR driver Bobby Norfleet, and she decided to follow his path at age 14, competing in the drag-race and short track circuits. She was the first and only African American Woman driver to hold a NASCAR license, as well as the first Black Woman to be licensed by the Automobile Racing Club of America. She made her professional racing debut in August of 2012 at the Motor Mile Speedway in Virginia. She and her father started initiatives to share their love of motorsports with children of all ethnicities and backgrounds, but especially underserved communities. Tia also started the “Driven to Read” literacy program!

Stars of the Pit Crew

In 2004, NASCAR started the NASCAR Diversity Pit Crew Internship Program, to provide additional opportunities to explore careers on the esteemed Pit Crew teams. Some of the stars and notable names in NASCAR’s Pit Crew roster include Brehanna Daniels, Raynard Revels II, Dion “Rocko” Williams, Phil Horton, Earnest Holden, and Lamar Neal.