Remembering A Man Who Redirected an Industry

This is the Statt Mann Baby. Time to Scatt a little bit…

Many rightfully criticize NASCAR for its lack of diversity. But a giant in the sport left us Wednesday.

Sam Belnavis blazed trails in NASCAR. He was the sport’s first African American team owner. He was part of the NASCAR executive team. And if you remember Hall of Fame driver Bobby Allison’s relationship with Miller Beer, it’s because of Sam Belnavis. He managed Miller’s sports marketing department when that paperwork was signed.

Belnavis teamed with Travis Carter to field the number 54 Ford for Todd Bodine and the U.S. National Guard.

He was the chief diversity officer and part of the ownership team at Roush Racing. Belnavis helped launch NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity.

Sam Belnavis changed an industry in the second half of his 81 years. His fingerprints are all over the sport. People like Michael Jordan and Brad Daugherty stand on his shoulders as they own teams tonight.

Thanks Sam.

Peace.