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by oldsoldier from southeast Guilford

Last Post 51 days, 9 hours Ago


Wendell Scott, race car driver
Apr 22, 2007 | 12:58 PM
Category: Sports
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There was an article about Wendell Scott in the News&Record the other day, and they missed the point. Scott wasn't a "black race car driver" , he was a race car driver who happened to be black. He raced because he loved racing, not to be the first black man in NASCAR, and it was this attitude that took him as far as he got. To be sure, there were road blocks, and some drivers and fans were not pleased to see him out on the track, But the drivers that shared that love of racing, and the true racing fans, respected Scott for what he did. I wish he had been able to do more, and today he might have. But diversity on the track should not be a manufactured process, it should be a man or woman, who wants to race so bad they can taste it, just like Wendell Scott. And when that person comes along, I hope a major team snaps them up, and puts them in a first rate ride. When some young man or woman cares more about being a driver than being the first of their race or sex, then you"ll have the next Wendell Scott, and it's way past time.               Incidently, there is a movie about Scott, called  Greased Lightning, with Richard Pryor as Scott. It's not Scott's real story, just a stereotypical exploitation that was thrown together, and Pryor, in no way did Scott justice.   Wendell Scott, was a fine man, and we as race fans should respect him as such.
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Member Comments Total Comments: 3
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seaangelrainqueen read my blog view my photos
Apr 24, 2007 | 7:50 AM

oldsoldier, I definately agree with you. Growing up in Danville, VA, I always knew the street that Wendell Scott lived on and had his garage. He had no "fine" garage, or large house for that matter. But it should always be said and thought of that he was a fine race car driver, who loved it dearly. ( And I agree with your opinion on the movie "Greased Lightning", it did not represent Mr. Scott or do him justice ). I was always proud to add him to the list of accomplished citizens that came from Danville, VA. I think if he saw some of todays racing, he would turn over in his grave such as many of our drivers who started the sport ( Fireball Roberts, Lee Petty, etc.)would probably do. But racing is racing, I just hope we can keep the tracks around here that we have left.
deadlinediva read my blog view my photos
Apr 30, 2007 | 8:38 PM

Totally agree with you, Old Soldier.
Wendell Scott used to race with my father-in-law, Bobby Myers. Wendell loved Bobby Myers, and my husband, Chocolate, will tell you, Bobby Myers loved Wendell Scott. Both were true racers who respected each other on and off the track.
seaangelrainqueen read my blog view my photos
May 4, 2007 | 7:59 AM

2 comments, now this IS a shame! Is the problem that no one knows who Wendell Scott was? I truly hope that this is not the case.
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oldsoldier

Married,1968 to present, 2 sons, 6 grandchildren, retired after 40 yrs at the same company. A veteran of the U.S.Army in the mid sixties, and conservative politically. I am concerned about what is lacking in the education our children are receiving in school. When I talk to my grandkids about history or geography, it is totally new to them.

Member Since: 7/25/2006


 

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