A historic breakthrough
Dystany Spurlock has etched her name into the annals of American motorsport by becoming the first Black woman to compete in a NASCAR‑sanctioned series, a breakthrough that reverberates far beyond the track.
The 34‑year‑old, who once roared on motorcycle drag strips and navigated Skip Barber Formula 4 and arena‑cart circuits, swapped engines last spring for a stock‑car debut that surprised even seasoned observers.
Funding the future
Financial backing from veteran racers Chris Harris and Kellie Crawford helped launch her stock‑car campaign, while the media company She Pivots, founded by Emily Tisch Sussman, signed on as the primary sponsor of her No. 66 MBM Motorsports Toyota.
Spurlock and Sussman first crossed paths at a ‘Women in Sports’ gathering hosted by Gloria Steinem, a meeting that sparked the partnership and underscored the importance of mentorship in breaking down entrenched barriers.
Looking ahead, Spurlock hopes to upgrade to a full ARCA Menards Series schedule next year, a move that would not only cement her place in the sport but also inspire a new generation of diverse competitors.