Honoring a Trailblazer Who Changed the Course of American Motorsports
On a powerful and emotional evening in Detroit, Michigan, Wendell Scott—NASCAR’s first Black driver and team owner to win at its highest level—was officially inducted into the prestigious Automotive Hall of Fame, a recognition that was decades in the making and deeply deserved.
A Historic Honor for an American Icon
The ceremony brought together legends of the industry and living history makers, but one name carried a legacy of perseverance like no other: Wendell Scott. Known for his unmatched grit, mechanical genius, and unwavering courage, Scott made history in 1963 when he became the first African American to win a NASCAR Grand National Series race. Yet in a cruel injustice of the times, he was denied the public celebration and trophy that came with his victory.
Now, decades later, the automotive world has rightly given Wendell Scott the place of honor he earned—with his name etched alongside the greatest contributors in automotive history.
A Family Affair: Legacy in Motion
This moment was not only for Wendell Scott—but for his family, his hometown, and all those who continue to walk the road he paved.
Scott’s grandson, Warrick Scott, CEO of the Wendell Scott Foundation, led the family delegation to Detroit for the induction ceremony. Alongside him was Frank Scott, Wendell’s son and the first Black crew chief in NASCAR history, whose own trailblazing contributions to motorsports add another powerful layer to the family legacy.
Surrounded by multiple generations of Scotts, as well as longtime friends and supporters of the Foundation, the atmosphere was one of reverence, pride, and collective triumph.
“To stand on this stage and receive this honor on behalf of my grandfather—knowing everything he went through—is something words can’t fully capture,” said Warrick Scott. “His legacy lives not just in the past, but in the work we’re doing today to uplift the next generation.”
Continuing a Legacy of Impact
Through the work of the Wendell Scott Foundation, the Scott family continues to invest in education, equity, and inspiration, providing scholarships, STEM programming, and cultural preservation that carry Wendell’s story into classrooms, boardrooms, and communities nationwide.
This induction was more than a recognition. It was a restoration of dignity, a correction of history, and a call to action to honor pioneers while building new pathways for those still waiting for their chance to race forward.
Watch Wendell Scott’s Induction Tribute
To view the official tribute video from the Automotive Hall of Fame and learn more about the 2025 class of inductees, visit:
automotivehalloffame.org/honoree/wendell-scott/
You can also watch the full induction ceremony and video tribute here:
Watch Wendell Scott’s Induction Video (YouTube, via the Automotive Hall of Fame)
Join Us in Driving the Legacy Forward
Wendell Scott’s name now sits where it belongs—among the legends. But his journey doesn’t end here. Through every scholarship awarded, every youth mentored, and every story told, we keep his engine running.
Support our mission and learn more about how you can be part of the Wendell Scott legacy at www.wendellscott.org.
