Willy T. Ribbs was born on January 3, 1956, in the vibrant city of San Jose, California, a pioneering American racing driver who shattered racial barriers in the world of motorsport. His remarkable journey began in the 1970s, as he competed in various racing series, including the prestigious Formula Ford in Europe, where he achieved a remarkable feat by winning the Dunlop Championship in his very first year.
Ribbs made history in 1991 by becoming the first African American to qualify for the iconic Indianapolis 500, driving for the esteemed Walker Motorsports. He also had a successful stint in NASCAR and the Trans-Am Series, racking up multiple victories and earning the coveted title of Pro Rookie of the Year in 1983.
In 1985, Ribbs made another groundbreaking milestone by becoming the first black man to drive a Formula 1 car, testing for Bernie Ecclestone's Brabham team at Portugal's Estoril Circuit. His remarkable career is meticulously documented in the 2019 film "Uppity: The Willy T. Ribbs Story," which poignantly captures his struggles and triumphs in the high-stakes world of racing.
Beyond his impressive racing career, Ribbs has been a dedicated advocate for diversity in motorsport, inspiring a new generation of drivers to follow in his footsteps.
