Ribbs, a native of San Jose, made his American racing debut at Long Beach in the Formula Atlantic Series in 1978 and won the Atlantic pole in 1982. Ribbs also competed at Long Beach twice in Indy Cars. In 1991, he was the first African-American driver to qualify for the Indianapolis 500. His racing career also includes such accolades as being named Rookie of the Year in the 1983 Trans-Am Series, a series in which he won 17 races during his career. Ribbs also was named the IMSA GTO Series Driver of the Year in 1987 and 1988, and he has raced in NASCAR and the Craftsman Truck Series.
Willy T. Ribbs, Ambassador for Formula 1's Diversity and Inclusion Program
Ribbs says that grand prix teams should have specific academy seats to help bring BAME drivers into the championship.
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This digital gallery showcases moments in Willy T Ribbs' inspiring career, tracing his earliest races, historic feats in the Indy 500, and his current DEI Ambassador for Formula 1 role.
