Drama,Action,Comedy
United States of America
Greased Lightning is a 1977 biographical drama film that tells the inspiring true life story of Wendell Scott, a black stock car racing driver from Virginia who became the first African American to win a race in what is now the NASCAR Cup Series.
Directed by Michael Schultz and starring Richard Pryor as Scott, the film follows Scott's rise from being a taxi driver to pursuing his passion for racing, despite facing racial discrimination and financial hardship. Along with his wife Mary (played by Pam Grier), Scott struggles to make ends meet while building his own racing car from scratch.
Despite competing in a sport dominated by white drivers and facing numerous obstacles including equipment failures and protests from other drivers, Scott perseveres and eventually makes history by winning a NASCAR race in Jacksonville, Florida in 1963. However, his victory is somewhat bittersweet as he is denied recognition and trophy by the race officials who refused to let him participate in the victory lane celebration.
The film concludes with Scott scoring his first official victory at the Speedway Park in Jacksonville, which is the same track that denied him his previous victory. The film showcases Scott's remarkable journey and his determination to break down racial barriers in the sport and earn the respect and recognition he rightfully deserves.
Overall, Greased Lightning is a captivating and inspiring tale of a man who defied the odds and became a trailblazer in the world of stock car racing.
