The Golden Era of NASCAR: Wendell Scott

Hall of Fame driver Wendell Scott was the first African-American to win in NASCAR's premiere series. Scott finished in the top ten in 147 of his 495 Grand National starts.
The Golden Era of NASCAR: goo.gl/ca0umv

[@nickdeavers5816]

Somewhere around the year 2000 I wrote a book report in one of my high school English classes for black history month. While most of the students were writing their reports on Robinson, Ali, and the such, I chose to do my book report on Wendell Scott. I was very proud of my report because at that time, I was huge into racing and my teacher said she had never heard of him. Well long story short she stuck to that “I’ve never heard of him” and gave me a F and tried to write me up... I turned in any paper I could find on Wendell and even gave her a copy of Greased Lightning. She changed my grade to a d- and failed me, so I had to go to summer school. Looking back I would TOTALLY do it again! It was worth it...

[@nickdeavers5816]

@Clarence Hamm I was not the only student to absolutely hate this teacher and she knew. She had her husband drive her to work early and pick her up hours late because she had received threats. Come to find out someone had tried what you suggested and followed her once. That's why they started that.

[@ethanweeter2732]

That is dumb because now he is in the NASCAR HOF. The fact Richard Pryor highlighted him is near too and why I like the story, but without Richard Pryor and the Senator John Warner, along with Richard Petty and Scott family he would have gone by the wayside.

[@kpegc]

Sounds to me like someone should have reported her for that. Scott's just as iconic as those men, and your report sounds like it was well within the requirements. Not your fault she couldn't be bothered to maybe ask about him at the library assuming the Internet may not have been so common back then.

[@EarthSurferUSA]

A good and accurate response would have been; "Well then, you are not as well read as we thought."

[@user-iz9mu1qj8e]

Here’s my A+ to you and your efforts. Your teacher sounds like a real bitch.

[@MyDyerMaker]

Mr. Scott was a real American and a man's man. He was a WWII vet and then achieved the impossible with a career in NASCAR with no money and sheer determination. His wife and family deserve a lot of credit and respect.

[@theoneandonlysonicthehedge7595]

The Flock brothers, Lee Petty and Buck Baker were veterans too

[@sedulous01]

I agree he had over 100 wins but NASCAR never counted them even though it was clear Wendell was a born champion.

[@AndrewPhillipsqualityassurance]

@@theoneandonlysonicthehedge7595 im pretty sure THEY didn't have to deal with racism though. :(

[@sillygoose2508]

@@AndrewPhillipsqualityassurance and the likes that most couldn't even imagine

[@adambrooks2528]

@@theoneandonlysonicthehedge7595 what's your point? Did they accomplish what Wendell did with so little and with the racism?

[@MrMiD.Life.Crisis]

For Junior Johnson to say "i wouldnt of made it to where he made it", man thats one of the biggest endorsements you can get.

[@Kiddro22]

Much respect to Junior Johnson for that statement

[@MASS1866]

Yes. Junior was one of the greatest. and cheatingest😂 drivers and getting such kudos from such a great great icon tells you how good Wendell really was.

[@stephenwhorton4942]

Give em hell, Wendell. He was white and black. Let's stop calling him African American. Sure, it's OK to recognize that part of his genetic history comes from Africa. Stop the division. Wendell Scott is an American. He's no different than petty, Yarborough, or any other Nascar driver. He was a hard working family man. A model American

[@stephenwhorton4942]

I love this guy. He's infectious, he's charming. Hrs an American

[@areguapiri]

Wendell Scott was a bad brutha... Makes me feel proud.

[@zackerymontgomery3617]

Wendell's family y'all and all black people should salute Mr. Scott for breaking a barrier for black people

[@AndrewPhillipsqualityassurance]

@@zackerymontgomery3617 oh...we do...but answer me this; why was there a barrier in the first place?

[@jupitermoongauge4055]

@@zackerymontgomery3617 I'm a white person and I salute Wendell Scott for what he did as a human being. All honest human beings benefit from the example of a man like Wendell Scott.

[@irineoluna84]

Wendell Scott was the inspiration for River Scott for Cars 3.

[@mannyfox8089]

cool! :)

[@bennetfox]

Wendell Scott wanted to race and he wasn't about to let nothing get in the way of that.

[@kenwalz7231]

What a legend! What a hard road he had to take. The drive Wendell had is amazing and inspiring!

[@sedulous01]

KEN WALZ yep over 100 wins unofficially so they say...

[@lonewolftrucker99ky90]

This man is a inspiration to everyone who has had to overcome adversity. Thank you Mr Scott.

[@BGnation573]

This man has my respect and deserves everything he never got

[@shawnevans58]

I was born and raised 2 streets over from Wendall and his family. They were some of the kindness most nicest families i had ever met. I was fortunate enough to go to a car show that he was at, i have a 11x15 photo that was put on a plaque and he autographed it. My daddy and grand daddy took me to the show not knowing anything about him being there. One kind man and gentleman he was.

[@flatheadmerc]

Sept. 13, 1969. I was climbing the spectator's entrance ramp to the new Talladega Motor Speedway and was really excited. Upon emerging into the seating area, I saw Wendell Scott qualifying in a '67 Ford Fairlane at !80mph. That was more than 15mph off the pace of the hotdog '69 Ford Talledgas and Dodge winged Chargers but i was really impressed and that first sight at the speedway is still entrenched in my mind. HE WAS THE REAL DEAL!

[@pR1mal.]

I would have shook his hand. Shout out to the family, and those who gave Wendell a fair shake. The kids are as much a part of Nascar history as their father. /respect

[@anthonymiller9880]

True story

[@adamdietzel3735]

I would have loved to meet the man and shake his hand. The values he instilled in his children are the same ones that too many young people today are lacking.

[@ihavefallenandicantreachmy2113]

There are, still, a lot of Parent's instilling the end result of a Still, in their Children. Before and during said Children's pregnancy, too, or, also. "Moonshine: It is not just for Nap time, any more."

[@351inemporiavirginia.8]

Believe me I feel the same way you do and I totally agree 100%!.

[@TheBrainSpecialist]

Maybe we just don't want to be tied down to a system that doesn't benefit us in the same ways it benefited you. I'm sorry, but we can't feed a family of 4 on a pencil pusher's salary anymore. We can't get a job straight out of high school anymore. We don't have the opportunities afforded to you. So forgive us for being pissed off.

[@skullthumper8646]

@@TheBrainSpecialist Boo freaking Hoo.

[@suprchickn7745]

If NASCAR wants to revitalize their image, this story would make an amazing biopic. He didn't want to be known for his race as a black man, he wanted to be known for his skills as a driver. He even had to work on his own car. A story that needs a wider audience-- NASCAR's Jackie Robinson! #makeTheWendellScottStory

[@79tazman]

If Wendell Scott had sponsors like Petty and Earnhardt he would of been remembered as the King of Nascar

[@onesecureone]

79tazman or at least a top performer

[@EarthSurferUSA]

@@onesecureone He was a top performer. He did not win a championship, but a bunch of top 10's, a good amount of top 5's, and a win. He was a top performer. One more level, and it sounds like he would have been battling in the top 3 as much as anybody in the top 3. :)

[@EarthSurferUSA]

The sponsors don't drive the car. If you were hinting that he did not get big sponsors, (he did race for one of the best teams I see, but I don't know much about sponsorship of this sport), because he is Black, there may be some weight to that argument back then with some individuals. But look how he took it. He never considered himself a victim of the USA, and because of that, he was able to achieve some pretty good greatness. Who has time for them? Ignore the bastards and live. :)

[@jcast39atmsn]

@@EarthSurferUSA Wendell Scott didn't achieve success because he ignored it. He achieved it in spite of it and yet it still remained an obstacle he couldn't ignore.

[@sedulous01]

He did beat David Pearson on the all time wins list but NASCAR always called second place the winner when Wendell schooled them.

[@petebowling1668]

Great American Man .

[@HaulinWulf]

Its very sad, people often get judged by skin color... Its the character and heart that counts. Thanks for sharing this footage! Rest in Peace Wendell Oliver Scott +

[@chriscurry236]

Wendell Scott is an American hero and a Nascar LEGEND!! WW2 veteran and one heck of a Driver!! Did the impossible with very little!!

[@arthurrodriguez6878]

Wendell Scott is my favorite NASCAR racer! Not a black man, not a white man, BUT A MAN! Who didn't see color despite all of the pain and suffering he and his family endured living in a sinful fallen world. Wendell Scott gives me strength to endure my hardships as I wait on the Lord Jesus Christ!

[@s1ap396]

11:05 "Next time, bring me Wendell, the liquor, and the motor." Classic

[@XJag9684]

Slap I gotta question. I've been searching high and low for this clip of these independent drivers in a hotel, talking about buying Richard Pettys 68 car and then they came with the Superbirds. I don't know if it's your content or Brocks on J.d McDuffie. But it's got that vibe to it, Looks like some VHS tape...Please help lol thanks

[@savedin87ify]

I have said it before and will always say it. He is one of my all time heros.

[@joehendrson3815]

WHERE WAS ALL THIS LOVE BACK WHEN HE WAS RACING. EVERY BODY HAD SOMTHING GOOD TO SAY BUT WHY DID HE GET TREATED SO BAD?????? AMAZING.

[@79tazman]

I learned about Wendell when I read a book about him back in the 90's then I watched the Richard Pryor movie Greased Lightning Wendell deserves mad respect over all those other guys because he did it for the passion of the sport and had to put up with racism he would of been one of the best if he had a crew and money like the rest of them did but even though he did not he still kicked butt.

[@JohnLumapaskeith]

The world needs to know more about this great man. RIP good sir

[@petebowling1668]

DETERMINED.

[@robschannel4512]

What a driver. I wonder how many great drivers never had a car that would compete.

[@c-tezblackspeedracer8056]

I would've never guessed that The King and Wendell were friends!!! It's kinda ironic that they both had the same color and numbers and so many years later, Bubba Wallace winds up racing for him

[@pat36a]

I think the number and colors were more then a coincidence....

[@lightnin3971]

🏆🏆Wendell Scott a true legend 🏆🏆

[@christopherblessing3868]

Awesome and a class act! RIP WENDELL SCOTT!

[@shereevia6653]

Having grown up and still close friends of "Mr. Scott's daughter Cheryl Kay, I can attest that this phenomenal man was/is truly a legend for us to be proud of. He raised and provided for a wonderful family while pursuing his dream on the track. We will always love and admire Wendell Scott!

[@andyhughes9763]

Talk about a MAN with no stop or give up. No matter what walls they put up in front, It was like it just made Mr.Scott want to win more. I was luck enough to meet him and it was years ago, it was in the upstate of South Carolina (my home) and it was a great time visiting with him. And do agree with his son, He didn't wanted to be knowed as a black driver he just wanted to RACE AND RACE DID. Not many drivers could handle a car with a very under budget team like Mr.Scott . He was one the best wheel men there ever was. And these so called drivers today couldn't hang with him. Hewas true drive.

[@KK-ex5zu]

Intense best describes Wendell Scott and the best Cup drivers of all time. Wendell is in the same league of intensity as Cale Yarborough, Dale Earnhardt and Tony Stewart! The man was a trailblazer, he should be in the NASCAR HOF, great video thanks for posting!

[@joevald3]

At the pleasure I watching Wendaell Scott racing in Richmond Virginia and when it was dirt . He truly was something else

[@terryconder3917]

Wendell Scott did what he loved to do race cars thank you Wendell , will always remeber the year you said you were going to charge with a charger. Great driver.

[@johnmanning4097]

WOW I had no idea when I saw the Movie Grease Lighting with Richard Pryor as a 11 year old Kid that was Actually Based on a TRUE Story and Wendell Scott was Real Man....After watching this Documentary I am Big Wendell Scott Fan.It Really inspired me this Man never Quit with all the Odds Against him 👏👏💪💪

[@MrMiD.Life.Crisis]

6:45 - having heard all of what his son said then it shows me that Wendell Scott had to be one of the strongest guys to ever sit behind a wheel. God bless him and thank you Mr. Scott, Sir.

[@oldheadk4328]

Had to get a shot in at DrKing... I I worked in Mr. Scott's garage and played basketball for Coach Frank Scott. He was up for sponsorship with Crisco when they gave him that sub par car... I heard clear intentions and expected results from the provider of the race car... RIP Mr. Scott

[@richardcarr6493]

A TRUE INSPIRATION FOR ALL ,GREAT DRIVER MECHANIC AND FATHER . A REAL HERO

[@earnhardt3613]

This man had a big heart and balls bigger than most the men he raced against and this is coming from a white man from Etowah,Tennessee and it's a shame that human's have to be so cruel to each other and most of the time wait till a person DIE'S to give them the credit they deserve .

[@JDOUG757]

being a country voy i can listen to old folks just tell stories all day.

[@stevemason5173]

Frame 20:35, How do ya start a race on March 1st 1961 at Spartanburg S. Carolina in a 1963 Ford Galaxie??? This was one hell of a man and a credit to the sport!!! Why the hell does it have to be black and white??? Why not just a bunch of guys doing what they love!!!... I loved hearing Linda Petty say "They were part of our racing family"... This man has earned 110% of my respect as a man... Not black, not white or not even purple, but as one hell of a man!!!

[@deaf2819]

Steve Mason welllll because White people had made race such an issue it is an issue and remains so today. Unfortunately for people like yourself,you can’t sweep away that chapter of history or the hundreds of years of mistreatment just by claiming you don’t see color or that it isn’t an issue. It was a big enough issue for people that many many many people lost their lives to it and still lose their lives because of it in 2018 so you can continue to try and put blinders on and act like it’s not a thing but that’s a luxury you have probably because you aren’t the person that was negatively impacted by things like segregation and Jim Crow era tactics.one could argue that those tactics have impacted people that are still alive and id even say it impacts people who aren’t even born yet.things like racism cascade and ripple through time and the outreach and impact I don’t think we will truly grasp in our lifetime. Hindsight is 20/20 so we shall see

[@UberLummox]

Love Mojo Nixon! (theme song) So cool to see his old wrecked GN Mercury Cyclone is still somewhere. A real time-trip of a car. Killer story, thanks!!!

[@angelmatos9143]

What a story. C’mon Netflix, make it happen.

[@cobracharmer6178]

This is a great documentary. I would love to see Hollywood make another movie about Wendell Scott. I think John C. Reilly would be perfect! Facial features, hair, skin tone/complexion, pretty close if you ask me. With a little more thought, the movie would be much better than "Greased Lightning" Richard Pryor just didn't cut it for me. I was very fortunate to know Malcolm Durham. I was a kid that lived 2 blocks from his shop in Hyattsville, Maryland. In the late 60's, early 70's, Mr. Durham would fire up his cars and us kids would jump on our bicycles and peddle down Kennedy St. cross over Rt1, ride over a bridge and Voila! I bought a used 1970 Torino Cobra with the 429 Super Cobra Jet in 1975. Malcolm rebuilt the 429 in 1983. Fond memories.

[@stickman-1]

If you want to have fun, watch Richard Pryor in Greased Lightening. It's a movie made during the best years of Pryor about Wendell Scott. Truly one of his most underrated movies. Seems no one saw it but me and a few friends. We loved it.

[@BuckeyeBassMaster78]

"A true legend of the sport and one of my favorite drivers and human beings period,hats off to ya good sir"

[@leandrewilliams630]

Much in the world has not changed today they just cover it up better

[@terriecotham1567]

Thanks for taking the time to post and thanks to all that work on making this story for all to see and thanks to the Scott,s, and friends for letting us into their life and showing us a man we should be like or luck to know and for kids to look up to Wendell Scott a true hero , Thanks for posting

[@gregorygrant3643]

This story is amazing and even better my uncle James Lloyd Grant of Third World Productions made a movie about this .

[@terriecotham1567]

@@gregorygrant3643 Hope he is keeping the good work, Thanks for the note

[@tomcumby1118]

Awsome vidio. My dad remembered him and spoke of him often. Dad died in 06. Loved nascar. Deffinatly not what it once was and ain't gonna b around when it left its base around 2000.

[@thetreblerebel]

We love you Mr scott. A hero in our eyes

[@jacasoasheland6815]

he looks like Cal on talladega nights

[@thisislaflaretv5250]

Thank you Mr Scott for a race well run. No pun intended

[@madmax3397]

Legend

[@69NOMAN69]

man just wanted to race! rip wendell.

[@zackerymontgomery3617]

Frank Wendell if you get a chance to talk to your dad please let him know he is one of my favorite idols.😁

[@uknownicky5648]

he passed away in the 90s

[@technician4plumbingthebay551]

What a blessing to have a friend like Brooks

[@travhammer]

Hell yeah...he was one good runner...

[@mistyjordan7147]

This is where my heart is.

[@andrewrcmadwilkinson6999]

AND NOW WE HAVE LEWIS HAMILTON WHOSE CAR DOES NOT KNOW WHICH COLOUR SKIN HE HAS SAYS IT ALL RESPECT TO YOU WENDELL

[@normangabbard8816]

What a guy.. What a man.. This guy Wendel Scott was something Very Very Special.. I wouldve Loved to have spent just a little time on the track with this guy.. He is an American Hero,beyond any doupt.. I just wish to God, more folks wouldve put their Hate aside and Stood up for this 'Great Guy" More ! Wendel Scott, with his true dedication to racing,should never ever be forgotten by Anyone affiliated with the Racing World.. One cannot say enough good things about a guy like this.. But we can certainly try...

[@bretloyd8097]

Given this bloke didn't see himself as different the fact that his achievements go un-noted may demonstrate his true success.

[@suprchickn7745]

I love these old, southern white guys who defended him because of the respect they had for his talents and his guts.

[@jamesbulldogmiller]

"he started finding out the race schedules of 'ginia and later No' Ca'lina" That's a wonderful brogue!

[@thevmanvj]

Who now drives for Richard Petty in the 43-car? “Bubba” Wallace. I can’t think about that today without thinking about Wendell Scott.

[@toniarnold-mcfarland]

Amen. My dad worked for Scott.

[@georgewaters8592]

You know, Bubba's alright... I just spent a bunch of time learning about him after reading you comment here, as I'm just getting back into NASCAR after a long break of about 30 years.... in fact, I think Bubba is now going to be the man I'm going to be rooting for. Thanks for bringing up his name here, otherwise it might have taken me longer to to find out about him. Cheers !!

[@bigchills7194]

@@georgewaters8592 WOW ya know what ? Ur right and me too. I haven't had a fav since Earnhardt Sr.

[@georgewaters8592]

Yeah I just checked that out, thanks for letting me know, but i would not call that a fit. This whole iracing thing has sunk NASCAR to a new all time low. I dont blame Bubba one bit, he got wrecked, and he sees this exactly for what it is, just a video game... nothing else. I hope more drivers pull the plug too.

[@dougauzene8389]

@Clarence Hamm iRacing = ldiot Racing...Raced/Crewed Street Stocks in SoCal & Been Drag Racing 30 years...Real Racin RULES...I Don't Play Games!

[@smerrill9426]

Great story but the best part for me was Wendell & his wife were such good solid hard working people that they raised great children that’s his greatest legacy

[@riftwalker3220]

God bless the Scott family. What a man.

[@xdrfox]

racing on a shoe string $$$$ we loved it !!!!

[@walterfarley9230]

I got to see him race a couple times at smoky my speed way . Back in the 60’s didn’t know much about him but years later i fell in love with him . I don’t have many heroes but he is at the top of my list

[@RichardWortman-su8cn]

147 top 10s he won won NASCAR race and he also won a lot of regional raises I think it ended up to be about a hundred with a couple of championships. He was a real deal!

[@ronsharlow9602]

I just love watching anything about wendall scott he loved what he was doing and did not let the color difference change his love for racing i'm a white and would have loved to be around him we would have been great friend"s I don't care what color you are I will make friends with any race or color, and you could learn a lot from wendall scott for sure,

[@firestarter105G]

Racing was hard in those days whether Grand National or outlaw tracks. I had the pleasure to be around him some. He was a real gentleman, fun to talk to and most of all a real race car driver. He never got a chance at big money but neither did a lot of talented drivers in those days. Big money and political correctness has ruined NASCAR. To Wendell's family; be proud of him and don't be bitter because of some people's actions in the past.

[@travhammer]

among the best...i stand proud of the man he was......

[@charleskiser6786]

One of my heroes. Give’m hell Wendell !!! Rip Sir

[@AndrewPhillipsqualityassurance]

Mr. Scott was a pioneer.

[@styleauto1025]

Respect to him he a real inspiration to me!!

[@genaholshouser7148]

My hero

[@moss8448]

John C. Reilly could really play his life's story...

[@truckerjohn1957]

Wendell Scott is truly a legend.

[@MArnoldTN1]

Love this starts out with Jimmy Martin "The Pride of Sneedville, TN" singing Freeborn Man.

[@robertjackson7160]

What a Great Man

[@shawnbaraw2637]

Real American hero MUCH RESPECT

[@llewgibson]

Just found your channel mate, really love the content. Liked straight away, We should connect!

[@6Alpha-yankie_novemberdy2n]

An honest Champion The best men i ever knew, and i didn't even know him

[@Barron198]

When it’s too tough for everybody Else it’s alright for me -Wendell Scott

[@dewightkey6975]

This is really a great story of a great driver and a good family that stood with him they don't make trophy big enough for him

[@kincamell2]

Much Gratitude

[@crr311sux5]

I bet you there's going to be some fools discrediting him because he only had 1 win, or because he was black... Scott ran with his OWN Equipment, That he either Bought or Built himself, He had NO Sponsors either. Plus, he only won 1 CUP SERIES Win. He had dozens of wins in the lower divisions. It's obvious that Scott was a damn good driver, and a moonshiner too. He wasn't made of daddy's money, he was made of guts, skill, determination and one cup series win..

[@3madeamps]

great video .... i live in n.c next to danville va .. iv all ways heard of him ...

[@andrewhenry8010]

"WHEN IT'S TOO TUFF FOR EVERYBODY IT'S JUST RIGHT FOR ME -WINDEL SCOTT-

[@cobano]

Truly a legend

[@sean70729]

Another movie should be made of this great man.

[@RedDFilm]

A sour/sweet story - thanks for sharing...

[@fordenginebuildersv8power184]

Wendell was quite a guy! Good man!

[@Bag0fRats]

Mad respect ✊

[@marks_sparks1]

05:35 there are 1000s of drivers who never won a race ...Danica😂

[@andymurday4538]

Before Lewis Hamilton, there was this man it seems.

[@brucecarney4416]

Wendell won a race, but NASCAR put another white driver on the podium to avoid a riot. Later declared him the winner. Folks down south were pure crap then. And a few still are.

[@rynolascavio3381]

Its a lot different then you think down here. Hollywood has always made us look worse than we are/were. 25:40......"80% of the fans were very kind".

[@commonsense7787]

go fuck yourself

[@69NOMAN69]

ya now the blacks are the racist pricks these days.

[@AndrewPhillipsqualityassurance]

@@69NOMAN69 well...when we start hanging white folks...you can call us racist

[@69NOMAN69]

@@AndrewPhillipsqualityassurance tell me how im wrong or stfu.

[@tommyedwards9231]

he was a great drive for his time ..

[@wesleybrown3922]

Wow wendel Scott loved him

[@dewightkey6975]

He was one he'll of a mechanic