NEWTON, N.C. — A historic moment in American motorsports will unfold March 28 at Hickory Motor Speedway when professional racer Dystany Spurlock becomes the first Black woman to compete in a NASCAR-affiliated series.
Spurlock, originally from Richmond, Va., will make her debut in the ARCA Menards Series East, one of NASCAR’s premier developmental divisions and a traditional launching pad for drivers pursuing the sport’s highest levels.
Her start in the Hickory ARCA Menards East 200 marks both a personal milestone and a significant step toward her goal of competing in a national ARCA Menards Series event this spring, with plans to run additional races throughout 2026. Ultimately, Spurlock hopes to fulfill a lifelong dream of racing in the NASCAR Cup Series.
“This moment means everything to me,” Spurlock said. “Since I was a little girl, I’ve dreamed of racing in NASCAR. I’ve worked so hard for this, so many opportunities that have come and gone, but now I’m really here, and I’m ready. I’m excited to build my race craft and learn, and hopefully make it to the Cup level.”
Her path to ARCA is an unconventional one. Before transitioning to stock cars, Spurlock built her reputation in motorcycle drag racing, becoming the first woman to win the Real Street class in the XDA Motorcycle Drag Racing Series and setting a world record in the process. In 2025, she also became only the second Black woman to compete in the NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle category and is finalizing plans to race again this season.
Spurlock will pilot the No. 66 Ford Mustang for MBM Motorsports and Garage 66, led by former NASCAR driver and longtime team owner Carl Long. Based in Statesville, N.C., MBM also fields cars in all three of NASCAR’s national touring series.
Supporting Spurlock off the track is veteran motorsports performance coach Phil Horton, Director of Athletic Performance, who has trained NASCAR drivers, pit crews, and teams for years in strength, conditioning, and reaction skills.
“Dystany competing in the ARCA Series is more than a milestone; it presents an exciting opportunity for NASCAR’s development pipeline,” added Brandon Thompson, NASCAR’s Vice President of Growth, Engagement & Inclusion. “Having a world record holder from another discipline join the series speaks to the sport’s continued growth and ability to appeal to a wide range of motorsports fans.”
