Danville, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Wendell O. Scott Sr.

(1921-1990)

Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, October 24, 2024

1. Wendell O. Scott Sr. Marker

Inscription. On 1 Dec. 1963 in Jacksonville, Florida, Wendell O. Scott Sr. became the first African American to win a NASCAR Grand National race. He lived here in the house he built after his return from World War II. Persevering over prejudice and discrimination, Scott broke racial barriers in NASCAR, with a 13-year career that included 20 top five and 147 top ten finishes. He retired in 1973 after an injury suffered during a race in Talladega, Alabama. The International Motorsports Hall of Fame, among 13 halls of fame, has inducted him as a member.

Erected 2012 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number Q 5-j.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Roads & Vehicles • Sports. A significant historical date for this entry is December 1, 1963.

Location. 36° 36.566′ N, 79° 23.767′ W. Marker is in Danville, Virginia. It is on Wendell Scott Drive north of Locust Lane, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 120 Wendell Scott Drive, Danville VA 24540, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southside Virginia

and specifically in Central Virginia.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within one mile of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Sacred to the Memory of (approx. half a mile away); The Wreck of the Old 97 (approx. one mile away); a different marker

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also named Wreck of the Old 97 (approx. one mile away); Union Street Bridge (approx. one mile away); Union Street Dam & Bridge (approx. one mile away); Preservation Alliance of Virginia (approx. one mile away); The Dan River (approx. one mile away); In Memory of Dr. Cees Rol (approx. one mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Danville.

Regarding Wendell O. Scott Sr.. Wendell Scott was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2015, three years after the dedication of this marker.

Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, October 24, 2024

2. Wendell O. Scott Sr. Marker

Wendell O. Scott Sr. Marker with Wendell Scott mural in background image. Click for full size.

Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, October 24, 2024

3. Wendell O. Scott Sr. Marker with Wendell Scott mural in background

Wendell Scott's garage and repair yard adjacent to the Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, October 24, 2024

4. Wendell Scott's garage and repair yard adjacent to the Marker

Wendell Scott mural painted on his garage adjacent to the Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, October 24, 2024

5. Wendell Scott mural painted on his garage adjacent to the Marker

Wendell Scott Drive image. Click for full size.

Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, February 1, 2025

6. Wendell Scott Drive

The Marker is located on Wendell Scott Drive, which is also named after Scott.

Wendell Scott Community image. Click for full size.

Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, May 26, 2025

7. Wendell Scott Community

The neighborhood near the Marker has embraced its local legend, and incorporated his name and racecar into community signage.

Wendell Scott image. Click for full size.

Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, January 31, 2025

8. Wendell Scott

Part of the Ruby B. Archie Library's black history month display.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 10, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 5, 2024, by C. Ryan Dodson of Danville, Virginia. This page has been viewed 506 times since then and 123 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on December 5, 2024, by C. Ryan Dodson of Danville, Virginia. 6. submitted on February 22, 2025, by C. Ryan Dodson of Danville, Virginia. 7. submitted on September 4, 2025, by C. Ryan Dodson of Danville, Virginia. 8. submitted on February 22, 2025, by C. Ryan Dodson of Danville, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.