Wendell Scott was the first black racer to win a NASCAR race. The big moment came on December 1, 1963 on a dirt track in Jacksonville, Florida. Officials initially awarded the win to Buck Baker (who was lapped three times by Scott according to the story) and after a protest and several hours Scott was named the winner, albeit without a trophy as it was riding home with Baker.

Scott went on to have a long career and is considered a lock to be voted into the NASCAR hall of fame in the next couple of years. He had to battel many forces that other racers did not have to face, like the Klan.

Scott’s courage and fortitude, along with his mechanical talent and driving ability led him to have a long career in the sport. Records show that he competed in over 1200 NASCAR sanctioned races. On December first, ESPN.com ran a great story remembering his career and that big day in 1963 when Wendell Scott became the first, and only, winner in NASCAR’s top level of competition.