Full Breakdown
Dystany Spurlock Becomes First Black Woman to Start a NASCAR National Series Race
5/16/2026, 6:32:15 AM
Historic Debut at Dover Motor Speedway
On Friday, May 15, 2026, Dystany Spurlock entered the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at Dover Motor Speedway, driving the No. 69 Ford for MBM Motorsports. Her truck went loose on lap 39, hit outside wall, and she finished 36th. NASCAR.com noted the start as first appearance of a Black woman in a NASCAR national series.
Path to the National Stage
Spurlock grew up in Richmond, Virginia, with her grandfather Robert Spurlock. She began motorcycle drag racing at 12, got first bike at 16, and later became second Black woman to race in the 2025 Virginia NHRA Nationals. In March 2026 she debuted in ARCA Menards Series East at Hickory, finishing seventh of 24 and becoming first Black woman in a NASCAR-affiliated series.
Foxxtecca and MBM Motorsports Support
Foxxtecca, firm founded by Chris Harris and Kellie Crawford, funded Spurlock’s NASCAR drive. She drives the No. 69 Ford for MBM Motorsports, coached by Phil Horton, a motorsports performance coach serving as her interpreter.
Performance Metrics
Spurlock finished 10th of 29 in the April 18 ARCA Menards Tide 150 at Kansas Speedway, placed seventh of 24 in the March 2026 Cook Out 200 at Hickory, and finished 36th at Dover.
Official Statements & Responses
NASCAR.com announced Spurlock’s historic entry, noting the milestone for national series. In a Good Morning America interview she called the experience “amazing” and said she hopes to be a role model for children lacking representation in motorsports. Associated Press echoed the race outcome and the lap-39 crash that ended her debut.
Criticism & Opposition
Spurlock described “gatekeeping” as a barrier in motorsports, noting she entered without a pre-existing blueprint and faced race- and gender-related obstacles. She said she intends to dismantle those barriers for future participants.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I think I’m going to throw up.” — Dystany Spurlock, pre-race comment
- “So many athletes try to hide that type of stuff. But for her to admit that? It spoke volumes. She was honest with me — she admitted how she felt — and because of that, I was able to give her the right advice. And she took it.” — Phil Horton, performance coach
- “I never got into NASCAR to be the first — I just so happen to be the first,” — Dystany Spurlock, interview with Andscape
- “But being able to be that example for other little girls and little boys that look like me is amazing.” — Dystany Spurlock, Good Morning America interview
What’s Next
Spurlock plans to pursue additional Craftsman Truck Series starts, aim for future national events, and mentor aspiring drivers, pit crew members, and engineers to broaden representation within NASCAR.
