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    RACING WHILE BLACK

    Jul 31, 2020 4 minutes
    WORDS MARK RECHTIN
    PHOTOGRAPHS
    COURTESY OF WILLY T RIBBS

    Willy T. Ribbs isn’t a household name outside of racing circles. But he should be. During the 1980s, he was one of the fastest damn drivers around any racetrack, be it an oval, road course, or circuit. Ribbs had all the necessary items to become a world-renowned racer—except for the color of his skin.

    After showing great promise at age 22 in becoming British Formula Ford “Star Of Tomorrow” champion, Ribbs found progress in American racing to be slow going. Despite sponsors turning their backs and some pit crews slow-walking mechanical improvements or slow-talking communication, Ribbs still found a way to win races and contend for championships in

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