Black Legionnaire driving change in NASCAR

American Legion member and lieutenant commander in the Navy Reserves, Jesse Iwuji debuted in the NASCAR Infinity Series on Feb. 19 at Daytona.

Iwuji, who was a four-year starter for the Navy football team, is embarking on a partnership with legendary professional football player Emmitt Smith. Iwuji will drive a full-time schedule this year for the new Jesse Iwuji Motorsports team, with support from Smith.

In his debut, Iwuji moved up three spots to finish 27th in the race. For him, measuring success is not necessarily determined by the order of finish. As a Black driver, he has the opportunity to help bring more minorities to the sport.

“A decade from now success for me would be to have this Jesse Iwuji Motor Sports Team a full go in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and the NASCAR Cup Series and hopefully even having a full-time truck series, too,” he told The American Legion Magazine. “And bringing this to folks who have never been exposed to it on TV. We want to bring different drivers, different races, different genders. We want to bring in crew members who are from different backgrounds. We want to bring in all different folks, give them the opportunity and see where they take it from there.”

This season, Iwuji is driving car number 34, a special tribute to the late Wendell Scott. An Army veteran who served in Europe during World War II, Scott drove the No. 34 when he became the first Black driver to win a race at NASCAR’s highest level.

Scott was targeted by other drivers and fans during his career due to his race. His family is fully supportive of Iwuji's team.

“There's no malice in their heart. Everything is all good vibes. They knew they went through what they went through, because it was going to pave the way for others in the future,” Iwuji said.

The Iwuji team faces a monumental task ahead. For his part, Smith understands such long odds. Before he became the NFL’s all-time leader in touchdowns and rushing yards, he was considered by some football analysts to be too small and slow.

“Jesse is an example of when you find your passion, beyond what you did in the military or beyond what you did on the football field. If you are able to assemble a team, go for your dreams, go for your goals and do not stop. There’s always new beginnings and you have to take advantage of every opportunity you have. But first you must find your passion.”