In the Driver's Seat - African American race car driver Willy T. Ribbs

Willy T. Ribbs doesn't want to make history--he wants to race cars. But when you're the first African-American to secure a permanent NASCAR ride in almost 30 years, it's impossible not to make a mark

WILLY RIBBS IS MORE INTERESTED in winning races than making history. But in order to accomplish the former, Ribbs is destined to do the latter. This year, the 42-year-old racer has become the first black driver to compete full-time in any major NASCAR series in the sport's modern era (post-1971).

"I"m not focusing on [making history] at all," says Ribbs, who is racing in NASCAR's Craftsman Truck Series, driving a Dodge fielded by veteran racer Bobby Hamilton. "My only responsibilities are to myself and my team. I want to go out and do my best to win races. I've never tried to use my racing to make any kind of social statement."

But whether he wants it or not, Ribbs' race is as much a part of his story this season as his racing. "That's been part of Willy's problem throughout his career," says H.A. "Humpy" Wheeler, president and general manager of Lowe's Motor Speedway. "He's always had a lot of pressure put on him--pressure that other drivers don't have to face. When he comes to a track, all of a sudden he's not just a race driver. It becomes a racial thing. It's really unfair to him."

But Wheeler adds: "Willy's presence will be good for our sport. It's something we need, and I hope he does well."

NASCAR, which in recent years has made an effort to promote participation and a minority presence in what had been an almost entirely white sport, welcomes Ribbs. "Willy T. Ribbs is seen as an inspiration for many aspiring African-American drivers," says NASCAR vice president Brian France. "This Dodge program not only embraces NASCAR's goals for diversity, but sets the standard that others may follow."

It was Dodge that brokered Ribbs' ride with Hamilton, who had been fielding trucks for Joe Ruttman. Dodge offered to back a second truck out of Hamilton's Mt. Juliet, Tenn., race shop, provided the driver was a minority. "Dodge and DaimlerChrysler have both stood for providing opportunities to qualified employees," says spokesman Jim Julow. "With the momentum and support of Dodge's return to the NASCAR Winston Cup Series and NASCAR's commitment to enhancing minority participation in their series, we feel this is the right thing to do and the right time to do it."

Ribbs and two other minority drivers were considered for the ride. After making some test runs, Ribbs received the endorsement of Hamilton. "When we tested Willy at Nashville Speedway, we realized there was not going to be much of a learning curve," says Hamilton, a veteran Winston Cup driver. "I was surprised at how well he did right from the start. You could tell he knew what he was doing as soon as he rolled onto the track."

Despite DaimlerChrysler's desire to set a precedent, Hamilton wasn't at all concerned with Ribbs' race. "I don't care about any of that stuff," says Hamilton. "Dodge made me a good deal, and I wanted to get the best available driver. That driver turned out to be Willy T. Ribbs."

Ribbs has long been at home behind the wheel of various non-NASCAR race cars. He competed for years in the SCCA TransAm Series, as wen as in the CART FedEx Championship Series. In 1991 he became the first black driver to qualify for the Indy 500, and he ran an Indy Northern Lights Racing League event at Las Vegas Speedway last year in addition to his TransAm duties.

"Nobody can question my racing credentials," says Ribbs. "All I ask--all I've ever asked--is for an opportunity to prove what I can do."

Ribbs made an ill-fated venture into NASCAR Winston Cup in 1986, running three races with lackluster results. "I was so desperate and anxious to get a ride that I tried to drive for an underfinanced team with inferior equipment," Ribbs says. "I don't consider that a fair test of what I can do. Any driver will tell you that he is only as good as his car and his team. That's why I'm excited and enthusiastic about this racing opportunity. I've got a first-class ride, and I'm surrounded by veteran racers who know what they're doing. And Craftsman Trucks is a great series. It is very well publicized and generates a huge amount of exposure."

The truck series is considered NASCAR's third tier, behind Winston Cup and the Busch Series. But Ribbs isn't looking to move up the ladder. "I'm not even thinking about that," he insists. "Right now, all I'm concentrating on is doing the best "possible job I can to help Bobby Hamilton and Dodge win races. That's my only priority."

Along with Hamilton's years in NASCAR, Ribbs' truck teammate, Ruttman, is also a seasoned veteran. Ruttman, like Ribbs, is a California native, and the two have enjoyed a long friendship. "Joe and Willy have known each other for years, and that's a real positive," Hamilton says. "They work well together, and Joe has a wealth of knowledge and experience from which Willy can draw."

"The feedback from Bobby and Joe is tremendous," Ribbs says. "The synergy with this entire race team is incredible."