Chief Motorsports Correspondent, Crystal Clay
NASCAR Commissioned Wendell Scott Decal by Artist Chuck Styles Featured at LVMS Pennzoil 400 Weekend
Chuck Styles decal of Wendell Scott on NASCAR Cup Series ride of Kyle Busch at LVMS
NASCAR Hall of Famer, Wendell Scott was honored this past weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway during the 25th Annual Pennzoil 400. March 4th, 1961 is the date of Wendell Scott's first start in NASCAR's Grand National Series. All competitors and pace cars in NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series, and NASCAR Cup Series displayed a decal of the artwork commissioned by NASCAR to honor the legacy of the first African American to win in NASCAR's premier series.
Left to Right: Chuck Styles, William "Frank" Scott Sr., Warrick Scott Sr. at LVMS Pennzoil 400 weekend
Philadelphia area artist, Chuck Styles worked closely with the Scott family with NASCAR's trust in his abilities, giving him complete creative freedom to customize the decal. He captured the revolutionary figure's character in ways that William Franklin "Frank" Scott Sr., Wendell's son said "depicted a lot of my father that he didn't even realize. When you look at his caricature, his hair, his face, his determination; he got it all, and I want to commend him on all the work he's done."
Frank also commended NASCAR on their efforts in cultivating diversity and inclusion saying that "We support Bubba, Rajah and other aspiring drivers. We encourage diversity and we're so proud of NASCAR for doing such an incredible job with diversity. They get better each year, doing great things to include everyone. We love racing, we're a racing family".
Crystal Clay, Racing Refresh Chief Motorsport Correspondent & Warrick Scott Sr.
Warrick Scott Sr. grandson to the late Wendell Scott, acknowledged that his grandfather had a passion to serve the under-acknowledged and "built the ultimate bridge for diversity and we can see that manifesting right here today".
Initially, Styles admitted to a regimented graphic design approach but, NASCAR inspired him to be loose and free with the design, inspiring an impactful expression of who Wendell Scott was. Something, Styles said he aims to portray in each of his works.
"I'm thankful that it translated well. I just want to continue to work with the Scott family to expand on this legacy because it is important to let everybody know we can do incredible things together. Positivity and determination can change the trajectory of many people's lives," said the artist.