Athletes - Wendell Scott

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	Athletes - Wendell Scott

Wendell Oliver Scott (b August 28, 1921 - d December 23, 1990) was an American stock car racing driver from Danville, Virginia. During most of his career he was the only African-American driver in NASCAR.

Background

He initially worked as a taxi driver, and learned to be a mechanic in the Army during WW II. After returning home he worked as a mechanic and in the evenings sometimes delivered moonshine.

Early racing career

Scott began racing in 1947 on local track in hobby, amateur and sportsman classes. He met with gradually increasing success. In 1959 he won 22 races, the Richmond track championship, and the Virginia state sportsman title.

NASCAR career

In 1961 he moved up to the NASCAR Grand National (now Nextel Cup) division. In the 1963 season, he finished 15th in points, and on December 1, 1963 he won a race at Jacksonville, Florida on the one mile dirt track at Speedway Park -- the first and to date only top level NASCAR event won by an African-American. He continued to be a competitive driver despite his low-budget operation through the rest of the 1960s.

He was forced to retire due to injuries from a racing accident at Talladega, Alabama in 1973. He achieved one win and 147 top ten finishes in 495 career Grand National starts. Only 9 top-level races have been started by African-Americans other than Wendell.

Film inspiration

The film "Greased Lightning" starring Richard Pryor was loosely based on Wendell Scott's biography.

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Athletes - Wendell Scott

Background

Early racing career

NASCAR career

Film inspiration

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