Bill Lester Becomes First African American to Win GRAND-AM Series at Virginia International Speedway

Bill Lester becomes first black driver to win a GRAND-AM series race at Virginia International Speedway, in same tradition as Wendell Scott.

Bill Lester (BillLester.com)

Bill Lester became the first African American to win a GRAND-AM series race, specifically the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series Bosch Engineering 250, at the Virginia International Speedway Saturday. He is considered a trailblazer in the same tradition as Wendell Scott who became the first black driver to win a major NASCAR event 48 years ago. Lester combined with teammate Jordan Taylor to win the series.

“I never thought about (winning in Scott’s hometown),” Lester said. “I’m sure the Scott family would be real happy with what I was able to accomplish. I spent some time at the Scott residence in Danville and sat in one of his race cars, so it is quite an honor for me. I’m glad I was able to represent for minorities basically in sports.”

“We’re ecstatic,” Lester said. “We knew at the beginning of the season that this team had a lot of potential. Don’t let anybody tell you that Jordan Taylor is not a rock star because he can flat drive a racecar. My job is just to make sure I get him the car for him to bring it home.” Source

Congratulations to Lester and Taylor for their amazing win! Keep on taking NASCAR by storm guys!