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Wendell O. Scott

Born Driven.
Breaking Barriers. Inspiring Futures.

Wendell Oliver Scott changed American motorsports forever as a pioneering driver, mechanic, and team owner, becoming the first African American to win at NASCAR’s highest level. Competing during segregation, he overcame adversity with courage, determination, and relentless belief in what was possible.

Today, his legacy drives the mission of the Wendell Scott Foundation — empowering the next generation to pursue opportunity, education, and excellence without limits.

The man behind the legacy

The man behind the legacy was a pioneering driver and independent team owner whose quiet courage, dignity, and generational grit continue to inspire innovators worldwide.

Historical Timeline

Born in Danville, Virginia

1921

Born on August 29 in Danville. Growing up, he learns auto mechanics from his father, choosing the grease pit over the local cotton mills.

Serving in World War II

1943 – 1945

Drafted into the segregated U.S. Army. He serves as an airborne paratrooper and a motor pool mechanic for the famous “Red Ball Express” in Europe, refining his master mechanical skills.

Marrying Mary Coles

1943

Wendell marries the love of his life and the future matriarch of his racing team, Mary Coles. She becomes his ultimate advocate and the quiet engine behind his historic career.

The First Race

1947

Starts racing on local tracks, debuting at the Danville Fairgrounds. He places 3rd and wins $50, fueling his obsession with professional racing.

Securing His NASCAR License

1953

Persisting through systemic roadblocks, Wendell secures his official NASCAR racing license—becoming NASCAR’s first Black driver.

State Champion

1959

Wins 22 races in a single season, capturing both the Southside Speedway Richmond Track Championship and the NASCAR Virginia State Sportsman Championship.

Premier Series Debut

1961

Debuts in NASCAR’s top-tier Grand National (now Cup) Series on March 4 in Spartanburg, South Carolina, racing entirely as an independent driver.

The Historic Jacksonville Win

1963

On December 1, Wendell makes history as the first Black driver to win a NASCAR Cup Series race. Despite taking the checkered flag, racial prejudice leads officials to initially deny him his victory lane celebration

Final Race & Retirement

1973

Suffers severe injuries in a massive, multi-car pileup at Talladega Superspeedway. He retires with 495 top-tier starts, 147 top-ten finishes, and 20 top-fives.

Hollywood Honors a Legend

1977

The film Greased Lightning, loosely based on Wendell Scott’s life and starring Richard Pryor, is released in theaters, introducing his story of grit to millions worldwide

A Legend Passes

1990

Wendell Scott passes away on December 23 in Danville, Virginia, at age 69 due to complications from spinal cancer.

NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction

2015

Inducted posthumously into the NASCAR Hall of Fame, permanently cementing his status as a true pioneer and legend of American motorsports.

The Winner’s Trophy Returned

2021

Fifty-eight years after his historic Jacksonville win, NASCAR officially presents the Scott family with a custom, replica winner’s trophy to replace the physical trophy he was wrongfully denied in 1963.

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