Ribbs, Willy T.
1955–Present · Contribution: 1970s–2000s
Professional racing driver
First Black driver to compete in an Indy-car/CART race and first Black driver to qualify for the Indianapolis 500
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Quick facts
- Born
- 1955, San Jose, California
- Active since
- 1970s
- Category
- Sports & Athletics
- Best known for
- First Black Indy-car/CART competitorFirst Black Indianapolis 500 qualifierFirst Black driver to test a Formula One car
Impact on the world
Ribbs entered elite professional motorsport when Black drivers were almost entirely absent, establishing a precedent for later drivers. He did not win an IndyCar/CART race.
An alternative history
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Sources
- Exact sourceOpen
Los Angeles Times: Ribbs Becomes First Black to Qualify for Indianapolis 500
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