CHARLOTTE -- One of the drivers inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame on Friday was Wendell Scott. He may not have won as many races as the other inductees but his determination as the first African-American driver in NASCAR earned him a rightful spot.
“It’s been a long time coming. I've been waiting and very emotional today,” his son, Michael, said.
“One day, he said, ‘they would make movies and books about me,’ one day, he knew,” said Scott’s daughter, Deborah Scott Davis.
His family said it wasn't always easy for Scott being the only African-American driver in the white-dominated southern sport. It was the 60s and races were being show on television. Scott's family served as his pit crew and some were concerned about their appearance.
"They said they wouldn't let my father race if my brothers didn't cut their beards,” Michael Scott said.
Richard Petty defended them and the race went on, with beards
“That was one moment that will always stick with me,” said Michael Scott
In 1963, Wendell scott was looking forward to finally winning a Grand National race at the Jacksonville Speedway Park, but there was no checkered flag as he crossed the finish line. Instead, the flag waved for Buck Baker, who was two laps behind scott.
The judges awarded Scott third place, and his family says that experience pushed him harder. He was recognized for his Jacksonville win 47 years later.
Scott retired from racing in 1973 after suffering life-threatening injuries during a multi-car pile up at Talladega. He then worked full-time in the auto repair shop he owned.
He died in 1990 from spinal cancer.