David Dalton, Jr. Dreams that it is him

Episode 28 of the 33 Dreams of Indy Podcast

In 1985. a brash yet confident driver by the name of Willy T. Ribbs showed up at the Indianapolis Speedway with dreams of making it into the field of 33. It was not meant to be that year, as documented in the new movie available on Netflix - Uppity.

Uppity - Available on Netflix

Willy T.'s dream would have to wait until 1991 when he became the Jackie Robinson of IndyCar Racing by being the 1st African American to start in the Indy 500. He raced at Indy again in 1993 - finishing 21st.

It was 9 years later in 2002 that George Mack follow the path set by Willy T. by making the field of 33 and finishing 17th.

In the 18 years that have followed, there has not been an African American as part of the 33.

In a dual fold manner - to celebrate Black History Month and also to shine a light on a up and coming driver, I interviewed David Dalton, Jr.

David dreams of being the 3rd African American Driver to race in the Indy 500. But he knows he has a long ways to go to get there and is open to doing what he loves to do - Race.

So much so that he recently submitted an application to the NASCAR REV - Drive for Diversity Program.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DIxxS8W79w

David is not just looking for an advantage or a hand out - rather he is touting his results in his young racing career. In 2018 he participated in the Inaugural Lucas Oil School of Racing Shootout, finishing 5th. This finished earned him a place in races during the 2019 Lucas Oil Formula Car Series. He shined, making 12 out of the 18 events, with 1 win and 3 Podium Finishes.

2018 Lucas Oil School of Racing Shootout Finalist

In this interview, we talk about David racing along with the challenges that he has faced along the way.

https://youtu.be/WeQSyeRTTUY

If you would like to support David Dalton, Jr. I have included a link to his efforts: https://www.facebook.com/donate/553511681914306/2963182713746025/