Wendell Scott Jr., son of NASCAR Hall of Famer Wendell Scott, has died.
The younger Scott was a regular member of his father’s crew. The team broke barriers as Scott raced regularly with NASCAR from 1961 to 1973. The elder Scott earned the first NASCAR Cup Series victory by an African American driver on Dec. 1, 1963 in Jacksonville, Fla.
“From his younger days working on his father’s race car, Wendell Scott Jr.’s passion for racing helped lift his father to the pinnacle of our sport,” read a statement from NASCAR officials. “When his time as a competitor concluded, Wendell dedicated his life to preserving – and growing – his father’s rich legacy. NASCAR is saddened to learn of his passing, and extends its deepest condolences to the entire Scott family during this difficult time.”
Wendell Scott was enshrined in the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2015 and his son was among the members of the Scott family who were on hand to witness the moment.
Though most of his time was spent as a member of his father’s crew, the younger Scott did briefly take up racing. In 1973 he made three starts in the NASCAR Grand National East Series, which included a 13th-place finish at Hickory (N.C.) Motor Speedway.
— Wendell Scott Foundation (@WendellScott_34) February 11, 2022