Dystany Spurlock achieved a major milestone by becoming the first Black woman to compete in a national ARCA Menards Series event. The 29-year-old made her debut on Saturday at Kansas Speedway. Spurlock’s career has been dedicated to entering motorsports spaces not initially designed for her, and the Kansas race marked her most significant endeavor to date.

Despite starting dead last in a field of 29 cars, Spurlock, the only Black woman competing, still managed to secure a top-10 finish.

“It was an amazing day,” Spurlock wrote in a statement shared with Essence. “I’m continuing to race and learn and prove to myself and others that I belong here. I wasn’t happy about getting punted at the close of the race, but I made the best out of it.”

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Spurlock quickly advanced to 16th place just a few laps into the race. She skillfully avoided incidents during the numerous cautions and restarts, often the most challenging parts of a race. The late caution worked to her advantage, giving her the “free pass” and allowing her to rejoin the lead lap. 

Seizing this opportunity, she overtook two more drivers, securing a top-10 position. Despite being hit from behind and sent into a slide as the finish line approached, she recovered control and drove the car across to complete the race.

“Dystany competing at this level is a direct reflection of preparation, opportunity, and an intentional support system,” said Chris Harris, co-owner of Foxxtecca. “She’s a monster, and she is showing that she belongs here, and more importantly, that others belong here.”

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Spurlock transitioned to stock car racing after years in motorcycle drag racing, a sport where female competitors are even scarcer. During her time in motorcycle drag racing, she achieved a world record and became the first woman to win the Real Street class in the XDA series. 

After this success, she competed in the NHRA, becoming only the second Black woman in the Pro Stock Motorcycle category last year. Her journey is currently being documented in a docuseries titled Driven by Dystany: The Road to NASCAR.

She is scheduled to compete in several upcoming races, including her next ARCA start, on May 8 at Watkins Glen International, and a 2.45-mile road course in upstate New York, which presents a challenge quite different from the oval track she raced on Saturday.

Additionally, she will race with Arana Racing at the NHRA U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis in September and the Texas NHRA Fall Nationals in Dallas in October. 

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