Vargas Named NASCAR’s 2017 Wendell Scott Trailblazer Award Recipient for the Second Year in a Row

Ryan Vargas, one of the newest members of the 2018 NASCAR Drive for Diversity driver line-up, will be honored for the second year in a row as NASCAR’s 2017 Wendell Scott Trailblazer Award recipient. The award is presented annually to an outstanding minority or female driver who competes in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series ranks.
 
The 17-year old from La Miranda, California will be honored at the 2017 at the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series banquet on Friday, December 8th at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. The Wendell Scott Trailblazer Award is selected by a committee, based on nominations received from drivers, crew members and track operators. Selection is based in part on a driver’s final standing in the NWAAS Division I Top 500 points.
 
Wendell Scott has had a huge impact on NASCAR, paving an early road to the diversification of the sport. His influence has extended beyond his racing career. Not only has he earned induction into other halls of fame, but NASCAR has honored his breakthrough with scholarships in his honor. Twelve Wendell Scott Scholarships are awarded per year to students from historically black colleges and universities and Hispanic-serving institutions. In addition, his career serves as inspiration to a new generation of drivers competing through NASCAR’s diversity program, especially for Vargas.
 
“Being able to receive this prestigious award not only once, but twice is an absolute blessing. Wendell Scott worked hard to break down racial barriers in the sport, and set the stage for the drivers like Daniel Suarez, Bubba Wallace, and Kyle Larson. Hopefully I can follow their path as I compete with Rev Racing in 2018. Wendell persevered through some very difficult times trying to make it in racing, but he never gave up, that is why I look up to a man like Mr. Scott, and to be able to receive an award in his name is just so humbling, and I’m thankful for everyone who helped me get to this point.”
 
Vargas’ 2017 season was a success, garnering 3 wins at Irwindale Speedway, with multiple top-5 and top-10 finishes. This hard work has not only earned him this award recognition, it also earned him the opportunity to drive for Rev Racing full-time in the K&N Pro Series East, as well as Late Models as part of the 2018 NASCAR Drive for Diversity class. Vargas will join five teammates, including returning drivers Ruben Garcia Jr. and Chase Cabre. Garcia, 5th place finisher in the K&N Pro Series East point standings and Cabre 6th place finisher, will also be honored at the NASCAR Touring Series Banquet on December 8th.

Rev Racing PR