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Ribbs Returning For Indy Legends Pro-Am
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Trans-Am racing veteran Willy T. Ribbs will return to competition at Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association Indy Legends Charity Pro-Am during the Brickyard Invitational, slated for June 16–19.
Best known as the first black driver to qualify for the Indianapolis 500, Ribbs’ accomplishments in Trans-Am and IMSA sports car racing established him as one of America’s top road racers.
“Willy T first raced with us in 2014 in our Indy Legends Pro-Am and pulled off one of the most amazing performances of the day when he finished third with no practice in his car,” said SVRA President and CEO Tony Parella. “His original car was withdrawn with mechanical issues and Willy had to step into a machine he had not even sat in before. To drive it to a podium finish was really impressive. I also want to say that since then he has proven himself a great friend to the SVRA.”
The Pro-Am feature Ribbs will compete in for the third time is a 40-minute race of American muscle cars on the Speedway’s 2.43-mile Grand Prix road course on Saturday, June 18. The cars are 1963 to 1972 vintage Corvettes, Camaros and Mustangs of the Group 6 SVRA class.
Ribbs is the latest of a group of powerhouse early entries that include the Unser cousins, Al Jr., Robby and Johnny, as well as Indy car champion Paul Tracy. Larry Foyt and A.J. Foyt IV are entered in the Pro-Am for the first time and there is a special Garage 34 promoter’s option for NASCAR champions Bill Elliott and Ray Evernham who will share a car. All the professionals will be paired with amateur drivers, splitting stints at the wheel at their discretion.
Ribbs is a two-time qualifier for the Indianapolis 500, starting the race in 1991 and again in 1993. He was also the first black driver to test for a Formula One team, getting that opportunity in 1986 with none other than Bernie Ecclestone, who owned the Brabham team at the time. A versatile driver, Ribbs also competed briefly at the top level of NASCAR as well as in their truck series.
Ribbs was Trans-Am’s most prolific winner across three seasons, 1983 through 1985, when he scored 18 of his 19 career-total victories, including 13 for Jack Roush-prepared Mercury-Ford Capris. He was series rookie-of-the year in 1983, winning five times and more than any other driver. After conquering Trans Am and becoming the series all-time money winner up to that point he moved to Dan Gurney’s IMSA Toyota team for two years and picked off 10 overall victories.
“When I think about racing with SVRA I think about the Springsteen song, ‘Glory Days,” Ribbs says. “What Tony and his team are doing is leading a movement in the sport. They are shaking things up and I’m not just talking about vintage racing, but all auto racing. I know we will put on one hell of a show and it’s going to be good times for everyone.”
Best known as the first black driver to qualify for the Indianapolis 500, Ribbs’ accomplishments in Trans-Am and IMSA sports car racing established him as one of America’s top road racers.
“Willy T first raced with us in 2014 in our Indy Legends Pro-Am and pulled off one of the most amazing performances of the day when he finished third with no practice in his car,” said SVRA President and CEO Tony Parella. “His original car was withdrawn with mechanical issues and Willy had to step into a machine he had not even sat in before. To drive it to a podium finish was really impressive. I also want to say that since then he has proven himself a great friend to the SVRA.”
The Pro-Am feature Ribbs will compete in for the third time is a 40-minute race of American muscle cars on the Speedway’s 2.43-mile Grand Prix road course on Saturday, June 18. The cars are 1963 to 1972 vintage Corvettes, Camaros and Mustangs of the Group 6 SVRA class.
Ribbs is the latest of a group of powerhouse early entries that include the Unser cousins, Al Jr., Robby and Johnny, as well as Indy car champion Paul Tracy. Larry Foyt and A.J. Foyt IV are entered in the Pro-Am for the first time and there is a special Garage 34 promoter’s option for NASCAR champions Bill Elliott and Ray Evernham who will share a car. All the professionals will be paired with amateur drivers, splitting stints at the wheel at their discretion.
Ribbs is a two-time qualifier for the Indianapolis 500, starting the race in 1991 and again in 1993. He was also the first black driver to test for a Formula One team, getting that opportunity in 1986 with none other than Bernie Ecclestone, who owned the Brabham team at the time. A versatile driver, Ribbs also competed briefly at the top level of NASCAR as well as in their truck series.
Ribbs was Trans-Am’s most prolific winner across three seasons, 1983 through 1985, when he scored 18 of his 19 career-total victories, including 13 for Jack Roush-prepared Mercury-Ford Capris. He was series rookie-of-the year in 1983, winning five times and more than any other driver. After conquering Trans Am and becoming the series all-time money winner up to that point he moved to Dan Gurney’s IMSA Toyota team for two years and picked off 10 overall victories.
“When I think about racing with SVRA I think about the Springsteen song, ‘Glory Days,” Ribbs says. “What Tony and his team are doing is leading a movement in the sport. They are shaking things up and I’m not just talking about vintage racing, but all auto racing. I know we will put on one hell of a show and it’s going to be good times for everyone.”
