The only African-American driver to race in the Xfinity Series and win a pole position in the Truck Series, Bill Lester, stands as the flagbearer of overcoming the odds and realizing his dreams as a motorsports driver. With numerous accolades under his belt, the driver is set to add another feather to his hat, as he revealed to his fans on social media.

Bill Lester was an engineer before he shifted his gears

Being enthralled with racing at the age of seven after spectating a Can-Am race at Laguna Seca, Lester knew what would be his profession in the future. After training as an electrical engineer and dabbling in the corporate world, working at HP, Lester eventually found himself on the oval tracks of NASCAR. However, the road to becoming a driver in one of the most competitive forms of motorsports is easier said than done. At the age of 40, Lester had a trifecta of odds against him. 

He was black, well over his prime, and without an acquaintance in the world of NASCAR. However, that did not stop the driver from his dream of becoming the first black NASCAR driver to qualify for a Cup Series in the last 20 years and race on the tracks of Atlanta Motor Speedway in 2006. Following on the road of achievements, the former NASCAR driver’s book, ‘Winning in Reverse’ is on the verge of being adopted for the creation of a film. Lester posted on Twitter with the words, “The rights to my story, from “Winning In Reverse”, have recently been optioned for cinematic consideration! Since more book reviews would help the vision become reality, if you are a verified purchaser of the book on Amazon, please drop a review. Thank you!”

Watch this Story:  Aric Almirola and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Clash on the NASCAR Track

Lester’s book ‘Winning in Reverse charts a vibrant journey of the driver. In the book, Lester also narrates what compelled the driver to leave his life as a corporate worker and choose the road that is less traveled. Nevertheless, as a NASCAR driver, Lester made 145 starts and earned three pole positions, primarily in the Truck Series, between 2002 and 2007. Moreover, the driver also returned to the Truck Series to pilot one race for David Gilliland Racing back in 2021, amid his book promotions. The book is available on Amazon with a price tag of $17.95 for Paperback and $27.95 for Hardcover.

Talking about his book, Bill Lester also divulged details about his ceremonious NASCAR journey.

You don’t see anybody that looks like you: Bill Lester

Trending

NASCAR Insider Reveals ‘Business Issues’ Behind Losing $25 Million Deal With Denny Hamlin’s 19-Year Partner

Kevin Harvick Boldly Forecasts a Major Blow to Rick Hendrick & Co.’s Championship Hopes in Kansas

“He Was Caught Red-Handed”- Fans Insinuate Joe Gibbs & Co. Cheating NASCAR After Bizarre Bristol Find

Jeff Gordon Puts Kyle Larson as Top Contender for Motorhome Life, Despite $5.5 Million Worth Asset

“Won’t Be Watching Anymore”- Displeased Fans Take Issue With NASCAR After Shocking Reversal on Kyle Busch’s All-Star Antagonist

NASCAR, since the time of Lester has come a long way, in making the sport more diversified in nature. The stock racing organization has also spearheaded many projects in making the sport more inclusive. As a result, the motorsports fandom has witnessed the rise of drivers like Bubba Wallace, another African-American to race full-time in the highest level of the sport.

Speaking about how times have changed Bill Lester expressed, “There was no Drive for Diversity for me. NASCAR realized they needed to expand their reach a bit, but I had already arrived before that took place.”

Further revealing how difficult the situation was as the only black driver in the grid, Lester said, “It was hard. You go to the track and don’t see anybody that looks like you. I knew the majority of people were not pulling for me—some were. I’m sure they looked at it like this Dodge diversity program, why are you taking opportunities away from us?” Lester concluded.

Read More: Samantha Busch Drops Positive 4-Word Revelation on Her Unending Bout With Health Troubles

There is no denying the fact that the sport has opened its arms to various changes since the early 2000s. However, it is drivers like Bill Lester, that have proved nothing stands as an adversity if one remains true to one’s dreams.