Wendell Scott Foundation set to release children’s book depicting the story of the NASCAR Hall of Famer

The new children's book based on NASCAR legend Wendell Scott's life will be available from 28th November.

Wendell Scott Foundation set to release children’s book depicting the story of the NASCAR Hall of Famer

Wendell Scott (Images via Simon & Schuster and Autoweek)

The Wendell Scott Foundation was established to pay tribute to the first African-American NASCAR driver who won the Grand National Series, Wendell Scott. The foundation has released a new children’s book that will be available from 28th November. This book, “Born Driven,” aims to motivate children to work in harmony and become successful. Warrick Scott Sr., the Foundation’s CEO and Wendell Scott’s grandson, explained about the book. 

Warrick Scott Sr. joined Here @ Home to discuss the tale of Wendell Scott and their goal to keep his legacy going. Scott’s story is nothing short of legendary. He was the first African-American driver to compete and win in all the NASCAR series. Though Scott was affected by racial discrimination and received death threats, he kept his head in the game. Eventually, he was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2015 and the International Motorsports Hall of Fame. 

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There is another book by Brian Donovan depicting Wendell Scott’s life. Hard Driving: The Wendell Scott Story was published in 2008. This biography is about Scott and his determination to live the life he loved and compete in the highest level of racing despite facing obstacles. It also discusses the discrimination Scott faced within NASCAR and the support he received from fellow drivers like Ned Jarrett and Richard Petty. 

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There is a Wendell Scott-inspired documentary 

Wendell Scott (Image via Autoweek)
Wendell Scott (Image via Autoweek)

Wendell Scott is the leading character in the 1997 biographical movie, Greased Lightening. The then-stand-up comedian and actor Richard Pryor played Scott in this movie based on his life.  It was directed by Micheal Schultz and followed Scott’s racing career and journey to becoming the first black NASCAR driver to win the Grand National Series. It is an inspiring film and a must-watch for NASCAR fans.

Scott broke barriers within the sport. And thankfully, he had some drivers who supported him when plenty of officials gave him a tough time. There was even an incident in Dover when Wendell Scott was poisoned. Despite the racial abuse he faced, Scott was focused on what was important to him. He ran 495 races over 13 years in the NASCAR Cup Series. Out of which, he secured one win and 147 top-ten finishes. 

Wendell Scott’s legacy still lives on. He was inducted into the 2000 class of The Virginia Sports Hall of Fame and Museum. Scott also has his street name in his hometown, Danville. He was awarded a historical plaque in Danville, and the marker’s statement read, “Persevering over prejudice and discrimination.” There are also other movies and songs inspired by the NASCAR legend Wendell Scott. 

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