chase austin

Pushing the Pedal to the Metal - BET.com looks back at African-Americans who blazed through racial barriers and took the racing world by storm. —Britt Middleton  Wendell Scott is regarded as the most prolific African-American racecar driver to ever hit the track. He faced great racial barriers over his career, but eventually became the first African-American to start in a NASCAR race (the Spartanburg 200 in Spartanberg, South Carolina, on March 4, 1961) and went on to compete in roughly 495 more NASCAR races from 1961 through 1973. (Photo: ISC Archives via Getty Images)

Hot Wheels: African-American Racecar Drivers Who Blazed a Path

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Chase Austin - Chase Austin’s racing drive started at age 8 when his father built him his first go-cart. Now 21, Austin’s already blazed an impressive path: In May 2011, he debuted with Willy T. Ribbs’ Racing in the Firestone Freedom 100 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where he became the first African-American to start in a Firestone Indy Lights race. (Photo: Joey Foley/Getty Images)

Speed Thrills: Black Driver Competes in Firestone Freedom 100

Chase Austin is part of the Willy T. Ribbs Racing team.
05/27/2011