内容简介
Hard Driving is the dramatic story of one man’s doggeddetermination to live the life he loved, and to compete, despitedaunting obstacles, at the highest level of his sport.Wendell Scottfigured he was signing up for trouble when he became nascar’sversion of Jackie Robinson in the segregated 1950s. Some speedwaysrefused to let him race. “Go home, nigger,” spectators yelled. Andafter a bigoted promoter refused to pay him, Scott appealeddirectly to the sport’s founder, nascar czar Bill France Sr.Francemade a promise Scott would never forget – that nascar would nevertreat him with prejudice.For the next two decades, Scott chased adream whose fulfillment depended on France backing up that promise.Persevering through crashes, health problems, and money troubles,Scott remained convinced he had the talent to become one ofnascar’s best. Hard Driving documents a previously untold chapterin the history of integration, politics, and sports in America. Itreveals how France, founder of the multibillion-dollar nascarempire, reneged on his pledge and allowed repeated discriminationagainst Scott by racing officials and other powerful figures. Itdetails France’s alliances with leading segregationist politicianssuch as George Wallace, the reluctance of auto executives such asLee Iacocca to sponsor a black driver; and the inspiring supportScott received from white drivers such as nascar champions NedJarrett and Richard Petty, who admired his skill and tenacity.