Don’t let the look fool you, Wendell Scott was a black man. Similar to a Babe Ruth, J. Edgar Hoover, or an Abraham Lincoln…only difference is Scott identified as a black man. Born on August 29, 1921, in Danville, Virginia, was a groundbreaking African American NASCAR driver and mechanic who challenged racial barriers in a segregated sport. Raised in the Jim Crow South, Scott refined his mechanical skills in his father’s auto repair shop and deepened his expertise as a U.S. Army mechanic during World War II, setting the stage for his pioneering career in racing. In 1947, Scott began racing at the Danville Fairgrounds, placing third in his first race, a remarkable achievement given the racial segregation in motorsports. He initially raced in the “Negro Stock Car Racing Association,” but his talent soon surpassed the opportunities available in this league. By 1952, Scott made history as the first African American to obtain a NASCAR license, marking the beginning of a challenging yet illustrious career. Competing in local NASCAR events, he quickly earned a reputation for his skill and determination, often achieving competitive results despite limited resources. Scott’s most significant achievement came on December 1, 1963, when he became the first Black driver to win a Grand National Series race in Jacksonville, Florida. However, racial prejudice marred this historic victory, as officials delayed recognizing him as the winner for two years. Despite financial constraints, inadequate equipment, and racial discrimination, Scott continued to race, often outpacing better-funded competitors through sheer ingenuity and skill. His refusal to quit in the face of adversity made him an enduring symbol of perseverance and a pioneer for future generations of drivers. After a serious accident in 1973, Scott retired from racing, but his legacy grew stronger. In 2015, he was posthumously inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame.