It took years before NASCAR would admit that a black man, Wendell Scott, had actually won a stock car race. But there was no overlooking the impact Willie T. Ribbs had on motorsports a few decades later, and Ribbs’ career is now featured in a new film by Adam Carolla’s Chassy Media.
Uppity: The Willy T. Ribbs Story is available for purchase and downloading from the chassy.com website.
Ribbs was the first African-American driver to win a Trans-Am race, to test a Formula One car and to race in the Indianapolis 500.
“Willy T. Ribbs was the Jackie Robinson of auto racing who shattered the color-barrier in the all-white sport,” Chassy Media said in its news release.
“Willy was referred to as ‘Uppity’ behind his back by mechanics and other racers. He overcame death-threats, unwarranted suspensions and engine sabotage to go after his dream. Ultimately, Willy beat the haters and became the first Black driver to win a Trans-Am race, test a Formula One car, and race in the Indy 500.”
“Willy T. Ribbs is an extraordinary racer who overcame adversity throughout his career,” the release quotes co-directors Carolla and Nate Adams, whose previous work includes The 24 Hour War and Shelby American: The Carroll Shelby Story.
“Willy’s determined spirit and desire to prove his naysayers wrong serves as a beacon of light and hope that one should never give up on their dreams and to continue to fight regardless of what others think.”
The documentary film includes racing footage and interviews with Ribbs, Paul Newman, Bernie Ecclestone, Dan Gurney, Bobby Unser, Al Unser Jr., Robby Unser, David Hobbs, Caitlyn Jenner, Wally Dallenbach Jr., and Humpy Wheeler.
Here’s the link to the movie trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKwfDjfO9Pw&t=2s
