Motorsports enthusiasts have followed Dystany Spurlock’s rise as NASCAR’s first Black female driver, but Angee Booker became a fan almost 20 years ago. At the time, Spurlock was a teenager with big dreams.
“We get hundreds of kids all the time, but there are certain kids who stand out to me, who stay with you. She’s one of them,” said Booker, a longtime health and physical education teacher at Highland Springs High School.
Booker attended Spurlock’s early races at the Richmond Coliseum and continues to support her and other students long after they have graduated. She beamed and clapped during a homecoming celebration for Spurlock at Highland Springs Aug. 13 ahead of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
Spurlock is no stranger to trailblazing; she raced motorcycles and drove tractor trailers to fund her dreams of competing in motorsports. As a teenager, Spurlock made waves as both a cheerleader and the only female football player at Highland Springs.
Spurlock worked her way up from smaller races to the NASCAR circuit ahead of Saturday’s event, just miles away from her high school. She was one of 36 drivers — and the only woman in her category — to qualify for the race. She finished in 35th place.
“When I think about everything that’s led to this moment, it all traces back here to this school, to the people who shaped me before the world ever knew my name,” Spurlock said. “That’s why I have to say thank you — thank you to Principal [Kenneth] White. Thank you to my teachers, especially Miss Sherwood and Miss Booker.”
Describing Spurlock as an adrenaline junkie even in her youth, Booker recalls her as a happy and motivated student who loved competition and trying new things.
“She’s the same kid you see. I adored her. She was a sweet person and so loving,” Booker said.
Varina District Supervisor Tyrone E. Nelson said Spurlock’s accomplishments prove that Henrico students have the potential to inspire and shape people far outside of county limits. Mentors, teachers and families serve an important role in guiding future trailblazers.
“Dystany’s talent, resilience and drive should serve as reminders for us, each one of us, to nurture and uplift every young person who walks through the doors of our community schools,” Nelson said.
On behalf of the Board of Supervisors, Nelson shared a proclamation declaring Thursday, Aug. 13 as Dystany Spurlock Day.
During the homecoming celebration, Spurlock spent time answering questions from current students, fellow classmates and school staff. Attendees asked her about her favorite school subjects, her experiences in male-dominated fields and her travels.
Spurlock compared her experience as a middle schooler, when coaches sometimes tried to restrict her playing football, to the present day, where her alma mater has encouraged student athletes to participate in sports regardless of gender. She reiterated that the support she received as a teenager gave her the confidence to chase her dreams as an adult.
“This hallway, this gym, this school — this is where it all started for me. I used to walk these halls as a kid with dreams that may have sounded crazy to a lot of people,” she said. “Thank you for pouring into me when I was just a kid figuring it out.”