Dystany Spurlock, a pioneering figure in professional racing, will feature a distinctive sponsorship on her race car this week, emphasizing a novel collaboration centered on women's sports. During Friday's ARCA Menards Series event at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, Spurlock, who holds the distinction of being the first Black woman to compete in either NASCAR or the ARCA Series, will pilot the No. 66 Toyota for MBM Motorsports and Garage 66, adorned with the branding of the "She Pivots" podcast.
The "She Pivots" media platform was established by Emily Tisch Sussman, who is also involved with the ownership group of the New York Giants and co-owns Gotham FC in the NWSL. This venture represents Tisch Sussman's inaugural foray into the world of motorsports. Spurlock expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating that it exemplifies what can be achieved when women support each other, and she looks forward to sharing this message in Indianapolis.
Hailing from Richmond, Virginia, the 34-year-old Spurlock initiated her racing career in motorcycle drag racing. In 2024, she achieved a historic milestone as the first woman to claim victory in the DME Racing Real Street category of the XDA Motorcycle Drag Racing Series, reaching a speed of 178 miles per hour. The following year, she debuted in NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle, becoming only the second Black woman to compete in that class. Spurlock, a former high school football player who once drove 18-wheelers to fund her racing aspirations, began her stock car racing journey this year. She has secured top-15 finishes in six ARCA races, including a seventh-place finish at Hickory Motor Speedway. She then became the first Black woman to participate in a NASCAR race, finishing 36th at the Craftsman Truck Series event in Dover. Tisch Sussman will be present at Friday's race to witness her brand on the vehicle and lend her support to Spurlock. The two were connected through film producer Crystal McCrary, who is documenting Spurlock's ARCA and NASCAR journey in a docuseries, produced in partnership with Foxxtecca, an experimental media company that has backed Spurlock this season. The LIUNA 150, a 150-lap race in the ARCA Series, will be broadcast live at 5 p.m. ET on FS1. Brent Crews, who races for Joe Gibbs Racing in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, triumphed in last season's ARCA race at IRP.
The groundbreaking collaboration between Dystany Spurlock and "She Pivots" symbolizes a powerful stride towards inclusivity and empowerment within the racing community. Spurlock's journey, marked by perseverance and historic achievements, serves as an inspiring testament to breaking barriers and pursuing dreams. This partnership not only champions women in sports but also highlights the importance of collective support in fostering diverse talent and driving positive change across all fields.