The African American Automotive Association (AAAA) has announced the latest group of individuals to be inducted into the AAAA Hall of Fame, which includes drag and stock-car racer Dystany Spurlock.

Spurlock, who is the first Black women to compete in both the ARCA Menards Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, is joined by four other inductees in the 2026 AAAA Hall of Fame Class: Randy Parker, Nelson "Jack" Edwards, Aicha Evans and Cornelius Coffey.   

Since the AAAA's inception, its mission has been to preserve, celebrate, and elevate Black excellence within the automotive industry and motorsports, representatives of the organization said. This year, it is taking a monumental step forward.  

The 2026 Induction Class marks an expansion of the AAAA's scope from traditional automotive and racing sectors into the broader realm of global mobility. From the factory floors of Detroit and the high-speed banks of modern race tracks to the futuristic world of artificial intelligence and the boundless skies of aviation––this class proves that Black innovation has continuously moved the world forward, AAAA representatives said.

"Whether it is planes, trains, automobiles, or autonomous tech, the 2026 inductees represent the past, present, and ultimate future of global mobility," said Chris Harris, founder of the AAAA.

The AAAA provided the following biography of Spurlock:

Spurlock is actively rewriting the history books across multiple racing disciplines, demonstrating a remarkable level of versatility in modern motorsports. She initially established her legacy on two wheels, showcasing elite precision on the drag strip to set multiple world records in motorcycle drag racing. Building on those achievements, Spurlock made history in 2025 by becoming only the second Black woman to compete in the prestigious NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle class. In 2026, Spurlock transitioned into four-wheel stock car racing, demonstrating an impressive adaptability across distinct motorsport formats. She broke monumental ground by becoming the first Black woman to compete on the ARCA Menards Series platform. Continuing her rapid ascent, she reached the national touring level by becoming the first Black woman to qualify and race in a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series event. While Spurlock continues to write her story, she has shattered one of the final remaining "firsts" in American motorsports history, cementing her place as a historic pioneer for the next generation of drivers.

Established by Harris in 2023, the AAAA is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of automotive professionals by offering hands-on learning experiences, industry exposure, and partnerships with key stakeholders. In 2025, the organization was integrated into the Foxxtecca brand, co-founded by Harris and Kellie Crawford, whose mission is to bridge the gap between automotive innovation and cultural expression.

The AAAA Hall of Fame honors the remarkable achievements of Black individuals in the automotive, transportation, and motorsports industries.

To learn more about the Hall of Fame and its inductees, visit aaaassoc.com/hall-of-fame. 

Image courtesy of AAAA