Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed
Excited to have Willy T. Ribbs on “Tech of Sports’ this week!
Ribbs is a retired American race car driver, racing owner, known for being the first African-American man to have tested a Formula One car (he did so in 1986) and to compete in the Indianapolis 500. Ribbs competed in many forms of auto racing, including the Trans-Am Series, IndyCar, Champ Car, IMSA, and the NASCAR Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series and Camping World Truck Series.
Ribbs saw his most success in the Trans-Am Series, winning 17 races while driving for such names as Dan Gurney and Jack Roush. Ribbs’ talent was at times limited by a lack of good equipment, and eclipsed at times by his strong personality
Ribbs is coming to Atlanta. Coming up March 29 & 30 is a new auto race at the Road Atlanta road course benefiting Hope For The Warriors (HFTW). Called, “Vintage Race of Champions,” VROC, it features past superstars of auto racing, including champions of NASCAR, the Indianapolis 500, and sports car racing. The race is organized by Sports Car Vintage Racing Association (SVRA), which has hosted these charity races since 2014, gifting over $750,000 to charity. This is the first time an SVRA Charity Pro-Am will be hosted at Road Atlanta.
HFTW is a national nonprofit organization that provides assistance to combat-wounded service members, their families, and families of those killed in action. The organization focuses on those involved in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom and their families.
Also involved in the event: NASCAR Champion Mike Skinner is personally involved in HFTW and now races regularly with SVRA. Al Unser, Jr., a two-time winner of the Indianapolis 500, has raced with SVRA since 2014.
Ribbs’ career story is the subject of a new Adam Carolla documentary titled, “Uppity.”
Ribbs loves talking racing and his career. He and Rick discuss diversity in racing, Ribbs’ memories and why he still competes.
I love this interview and hope you will too.
