10 News is celebrating Black History Month by featuring daily articles on notable Black figures in our state’s history

Wendell Scott was a trailblazer on the track, racing against the odds and paving the way for positive change in NASCAR.

The Danville native was born on Aug. 29, 1921, and was the first Black driver to race full-time in the NASCAR premier series and the first to win a race.

Scott was many things: a bold pioneer, a loving father, a World War II veteran. But most of all, he was a tenacious and passionate individual looking to drive change. His deep dedication to making a lasting difference for future generations was what helped him get inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2015.

During much of his career, he faced several challenges at a time when communities were segregated in the South. He was rejected by hotels, restaurants and other essential services—all because he was Black.

Despite this, Scott turned tribulation into triumph and went on to win hundreds of short-track races throughout the region and capture the Virginia NASCAR Sportsman championship in 1960.

“Once I found out what it was like, racing was all I wanted to do as long as I could make a decent living out of it,” Scott said previously. “.… I’m no different from most other people who’re doing what they like to do.”

Scott passed away on Dec. 23, 1990, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that will never be forgotten.

Watch an interview WSLS 10 did previously with Warrick Scott, grandson of the late Wendell Scott.