Willy T. Ribbs

Born

1955-01-03

Birthplace

San Jose, California, USA

Biography

Willy T. Ribbs, born on January 3, 1956, in San Jose, California, is a pioneering American racing driver renowned for breaking racial barriers in motorsport. He began his career in the 1970s, competing in various racing series, including Formula Ford in Europe, where he won the Dunlop Championship in his first year. Ribbs made history in 1991 by becoming the first African American to qualify for the Indianapolis 500, driving for Walker Motorsports. He also competed in NASCAR and the Trans-Am Series, achieving multiple victories and earning the title of Pro Rookie of the Year in 1983. In 1985, Ribbs became the first black man to drive a Formula 1 car, testing for Bernie Ecclestone’s Brabham team at Portugal’s Estoril Circuit. His career is documented in the 2019 film "Uppity: The Willy T. Ribbs Story," which highlights his challenges and triumphs in racing. Beyond racing, Ribbs has been an advocate for diversity in motorsport, inspiring future generations of drivers.