Births on February 6

Bill Lester, American race car driver

Bill Lester: A Pioneering Figure in American Motorsports

William Alexander Lester III, widely known as Bill Lester, born on February 6, 1961, is a distinguished American semi-retired professional racing driver whose career is notable for both his diverse participation across various high-level motorsports series and his significant pioneering role in NASCAR. Lester's journey in motorsports has been marked by determination and versatility, establishing him as an inspiring figure in a sport striving for greater diversity.

NASCAR Camping World Truck Series: Breaking Barriers

Lester's most extensive and impactful tenure in NASCAR was within the Camping World Truck Series. This fiercely competitive circuit, renowned for its close-quarters racing with modified production trucks, became the primary stage for his full-time stock car career from 2002 through midway into the 2007 season. During this pivotal period, Bill Lester uniquely held the distinction as NASCAR's only full-time African-American driver. This significant presence underscored not only his exceptional resilience and skill but also his trailblazing spirit in a sport where diversity remains an ongoing focus. In the later stages of his career, Lester returned to the Truck Series on a part-time basis, notably piloting the No. 17 Ford F-150 for David Gilliland Racing, a testament to his enduring passion and commitment to the sport.

Transition to Sports Car Racing Excellence

Following his prominent stint in the NASCAR Truck Series, Lester seamlessly transitioned to the demanding world of sports car racing. He became a consistent competitor in the Rolex Sports Car Series, a premier endurance racing championship that featured specialized prototype and GT-class cars, eventually merging into what is now the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Lester actively competed in this series from 2007 to 2012, showcasing his adaptability to different racing disciplines and vehicle types. Interestingly, his engagement with sports car racing wasn't a new venture; he had previously competed part-time in the same Rolex Sports Car Series from 1998 to 2001, highlighting his versatile driving talent and a long-standing affinity for diverse racing categories.

Limited Appearances in NASCAR's Top Tiers

Beyond his primary engagements in the Truck and Sports Car series, Bill Lester also made selective appearances in NASCAR's premier divisions. He competed in two NASCAR Cup Series races in 2006, participating in events at the pinnacle of stock car racing. Furthermore, he made one start in the Busch Series (now officially known as the Xfinity Series) in 1999. These limited yet significant appearances against the sport's elite further underscored his capabilities and broad reach within professional motorsports.

Continued Contributions to Motorsports Governance

Since concluding his active driving career, Bill Lester continues to play a vital role in upholding the integrity and governance of motorsports. He serves as a respected member of the NASCAR National Motorsports Appeals Panel. This crucial independent panel is responsible for impartially reviewing appeals of penalties issued by NASCAR officials, ensuring fairness, consistency, and strict adherence to the rulebook across all NASCAR sanctioned series, from the highly visible Cup Series down to grassroots levels. His involvement demonstrates a continued dedication to the sport beyond the cockpit.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bill Lester

Who is Bill Lester?

Bill Lester, born William Alexander Lester III on February 6, 1961, is an American semi-retired professional racing driver renowned for his diverse career in NASCAR and sports car racing, notably as a pioneering African-American driver in NASCAR.

What was Bill Lester's significance in NASCAR?

Bill Lester was NASCAR's only full-time African-American driver in the Camping World Truck Series from 2002 to mid-2007, making him a significant trailblazer for diversity in the sport.

What racing series did Bill Lester compete in?

Bill Lester primarily competed full-time in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and the Rolex Sports Car Series. He also made part-time appearances in the Rolex Sports Car Series earlier in his career and competed in two NASCAR Cup Series races and one Busch (now Xfinity) Series race.

What does Bill Lester do now after retiring from full-time driving?

Since his retirement from active driving, Bill Lester serves as a respected member of the NASCAR National Motorsports Appeals Panel, which reviews appeals of penalties issued by NASCAR.