African American NASCAR driver Darrell Wallace Jr. became the second black driver to win a national NASCAR competition when he took the cup at the Truck Series race this past Saturday. Wallace is the next winning black driver behind Wendell Scott, who made history as the first in 1963 – nearly fifty years ago.
The twenty-year old driver from Mobile, Alabama who is sometimes called “Bubba,” took the track at Martinsville Speedway. Wallace is a graduate of the NASCAR Drive for Diversity program. The program was founded in 2004 to build interest and opportunity among women and drivers of various cultures and races.
Darrell Wallace, Jr. was driving for Kyle Busch Motorsports. He beat out his main rival,
Jeb Burton, after choosing the inside line for the reset.
Wallace entered his final lap in tears, realizing he was making history in the same place that Wendell Scott had made half a century ago. The family of Wendell Scott was especially thrilled about the win, knowing that their relative who passed away in 1990, paved the way for Wallace to take his place in the winner’s circle; something Wendell Scott never experienced since he was declared the winner the next day after his big win. Wallace was even mentored by Scott’s brother through the diversity program.
(Photo: AP)
Little Known Black History Fact: Darrell Wallace Jr.
was originally published on
blackamericaweb.com
