Richmonder will be first Black woman to drive in a national NASCAR series

Dystany Spurlock has always been a trailblazer.

From playing football with boys at Highland Springs to racing motorcycles right out of school, Spurlock (whose first name is pronounced Destiny) has never shown fear.

Now, she's set to make history on Saturday night as the first Black woman to race in a national NASCAR series.

Spurlock will race at Watkins Glen in the NASCAR truck series, hours after her scheduled race in the lower-level ARCA racing series. The track is in Central New York.

She is being sponsored by the Foxxtecca media company, which is producing a documentary about her journey to becoming a professional race car driver.

“Dystany competing at this level is a direct reflection of preparation, opportunity, and an intentional support system," said Foxxtecca co-owner Chris Harris. "She’s a monster, and she is showing that she belongs here—and, more importantly, that others belong here. This is a step forward for everyone who hasn’t traditionally seen themselves in this space.”

Spurlock has also competed in the NHRA drag racing series and the indoor Arena Racing series.

In a recent interview with Fox Sports, she said she first discovered a love of racing when visiting her grandfather, who lived in the shadow of Richmond Raceway.

Spurlock raced coming out of school, but took a mid-career break and worked as a flight attendant and a truck driver before re-entering the sport.

NASCAR has worked in recent years to bring more diverse faces and fans into the sport. Last year it renamed its "Drive for Diversity" program to the "Driver Development Program," but said the program itself would continue.

Contact Michael Phillips at mphillips@richmonder.org.