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Perseverance is paying off for Bill Lester To earn a starting spot in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series, Bill Lester has used a path less traveled. By racing his way into the NASCAR Nextel Cup Golden Corral, Lester became the first African American driver to qualify for a Nextel Cup race since Willy T. Ribbs in 1986. While Lester's name is just now becoming known by mainstream racing fans, he has been racing since 1985, in the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA), IMSA open wheel, and other sports car series. Lester earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from the University of California at Berkeley. He left a high paying job in the west coast high tech computer industry to claim several SCCA championships. His initiation into NASCAR racing came in 1999, when he started a Watkins Glen Busch Series race. He had moved into the top-10, before a wreck relegated him to a 21st-place finish. In 2000, he ran his first Craftsman Truck Series race at Portland, OR and finished 24th. Ironically, it was Ribbs' that recognized Lester's talent and suggested that he move from his home near San Jose, CA to either Charlotte or Atlanta, if he was really serious about a racing career. "I decided to put the cart before the horse," said Lester. "I didn't know anyone in Charlotte, but I did have some family in Atlanta, so my wife and I made the move from California to Atlanta, with the belief that I could do it." Doors opened for the 15-year road course veteran, and he signed on with Bobby Hamilton for five truck races in 2001, and then full-time in 2002 and 2003. In 2004, he switched to Bill Davis Racing. In two full seasons, he has accumulated two top-five finishes, along with three poles. "I'm a racer," continued Lester. "But I also realize that now I have a unique opportunity and responsibility to make a change. "It's never easy when you're going against other people and teams that are also trying to win. But you've got to believe in yourself. That's what I would like to say to all young people. "Anyone, whether they are Hispanic, White, African American, or Yellow, if hey have the desire and believe in themselves, then they can do it. "I've been infatuated with cars since I was eight, and anyone willing to persevere can do it. If it's not racing, they can at least be successful at whatever they attempt." Lester qualified 19th in the No. 23 Waste Management Dodge. Add a comment |
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