Warrick F. Scott Sr. was inspired by his grandfather, Wendell Scott of Danville, the first African-American race car driver to win a Grand National race, NASCAR’s highest level.

That was in 1963, when pervasive racial prejudice repeatedly thwarted his efforts.

That’s also what prompts Mr. Scott to preserve and promote the legacy of his late racing champion grandfather.

“My belief has always been that if he was able to be successful in those historically racist times, then, despite the challenges we currently face, we can and will be successful,” Mr. Scott says.

Mr. Scott is the founder and chief executive officer of the Wendell Scott Foundation, a Danville-based nonprofit dedicated to commemorating his grandfather’s achievements and providing opportunities to at-risk, underserved youths who are facing obstacles hindering their success.

The foundation provides services such as job skill training, STEM education opportunities, mentoring and other support services to youths between the ages of 8 and 18 in Danville and surrounding areas.

Its “Steer Into STEM” program offers STEM exploration activities such as racing simulators, robotics, 3-D printing and computer programming, field trips, tours of STEM facilities, as well as college and career preparation.

“Our mission, work and programming reflect what my grandfather stood for and his heart’s passion — providing at-risk children with the opportunities that they would otherwise not have access to,” Mr. Scott says.

“In our family, we do not believe in hopeless words such as ‘can’t’ or ‘never,’ ” he continues. His grandfather’s accomplishments, he says, are a “testament to perseverance and determination … and for going for what he wanted when the world was telling him no.”

Wendell Scott began racing at age 30 on the Dixie Circuit, largely around Virginia and North Carolina because he was turned away from NASCAR-sanctioned races. He broke into the all-white world of NASCAR when a part-time steward granted him a NASCAR license at a race in 1953 at the old Richmond Speedway.

From there, Mr. Scott went on to win more than 100 races at local tracks before making his debut in NASCAR’s premier series in 1961. He competed in the top series for 13 years, finishing in the top 10 spot 147 times in 495 Sprint Cup events.

On Dec. 1, 1963, he became the first African-American to win a NASCAR premier series race when he took the checkered flag at the Jacksonville 200 at Speedway Park in Jacksonville, Fla.

However, officials flagged Buck Baker as the winner and gave him the trophy in victory lane. Later after checking scorecards, it was revealed that Wendell Scott actually won the race. The error caused Wendell Scott to miss his victory lane ceremony, a move critics believe was designed to avoid an African-American driver from receiving congratulations from a white race queen.

He died of cancer in Danville in December 1990 at age 69, and was inducted posthumously into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in January 2015.

The foundation is celebrating the 55th anniversary of Wendell Scott’s first NASCAR win with a black-tie gala on Saturday, Dec. 8, in Danville. Proceeds from the event will benefit the foundation and its work, including “Camp Cultivation,” a program for youths developed in partnership with Virginia State University and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to create urban gardens in Danville housing projects.

The foundation’s long-term goal is to build a $34 million Wendell Scott Art & Innovation Center in downtown Danville through public-private partnerships.

“There are so many nuances that made Scott Racing successful, many of which had nothing to do with racing,” Mr. Scott says, noting the personal characteristics that propel a person to success. “The foundation strives to make certain that the determination to accomplish goals will be carried on among the lives it serves.”

Meet this week’s Personality, Warrick F. Scott Sr.:

Occupation: Founder and chief executive officer of the Wendell Scott Foundation.

Duties of position: My work affords me the opportunity to be the innovative, driving force behind the organization and revitalization of the nonprofit Wendell Scott Foundation. I’ve created a series of new programs and income streams to increase organizational capacity and reach donors, community stakeholders and corporate partners. I’ve also increased our national profile, awareness and public standing.

Community involvement: Founder, Wendell Scott Foundation; Danville-Pittsylvania County Tourism Advisory Committee; Piedmont Access to Health Services Inc. (PATHS); Virginia School Safety Audit Committee; and the Danville-Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce.

Date and place of birth: June 14 in Danville.

Current residence: Danville.

Education: Johnson C. Smith University; bachelor’s in mass communications, Shaw University.

Family: Wife, Chinique Scott; daughter, Talasjah; and sons, Warrick Jr. and Wendell.

When I created the Wendell Scott Foundation: 2010.

Reason for founding: I knew the importance of helping others from a young age. I was inspired by my grandfather, Wendell Scott, who spoke of one day opening an orphanage for disadvantaged kids and who would work on anyone’s car whether or not they could pay. I quickly developed a deep passion for charitable work and helping people in need. That resolve stuck with me throughout my entire life. More than 15 years later, I founded the Wendell Scott Foundation to commemorate the memory of my grandfather, who was the first African-American race car driver to win the Grand National, NASCAR’s highest level, and who also is enshrined in the NASCAR Hall of Fame, the highest honor NASCAR can bestow upon someone in the sport.

Where it operates: In Danville, Martinsville, Roanoke, Petersburg and Richmond.

Services the foundation provides: An essential part of the Wendell Scott Foundation is its mentoring and Steer into STEM after-school and summer programs. The objective of our mentoring program is to be a development strategy in a youth’s successful path to adulthood.

What motivated me to get involved in community service: My mother was a schoolteacher, coach and SGA chair for more than 30 years. She has always been a hero to her many students. Because of that selfless dedication, the act of community service was a built-in expectation and it was also fashionable to care about your environment and the community of people you share it with.

How I start the day: I start each day with prayer and push-ups. Then I think of my loved ones who have passed on and channel those memories I hold close to my heart toward creating positive energy.

A perfect day for me is: There’s no one perfect day for me. I’m able to find perfection in the opportunities God gives me to be a husband and father. At the end of the day, if my family is happy, then everything is perfect.

Something I love to do that most people would never imagine: I love to prepare a variety of meals for my family while singing or at least harmonizing to soul music. I also like to play Madden Football on Playstation Network with friends.

How I unwind: Listening to music. Ironically enough, I’m a huge Lalah Hathaway fan. I love her song “Breathe.” She will be performing at our annual legacy gala in December.

A quote that I am inspired by: Two by Wendell Scott — “You can’t swim standing on the bank” and “When it’s too tough for everybody else, it’s just right for me.”

Best late-night snack: Strawberry lemonade freeze pops.

Best thing my parents ever taught me: Be dedicated to your church and family.

Person who influenced me the most: My father Frank Scott Sr. He has been there for me in my life. Being born into a legacy that is publicly recognized can be really tough. His example as a man is something that has been irreplaceable in my life.

The book that influenced me the most: “Succeeding Against the Odds” by John H. Johnson.

What I’m reading now: “The Art & Science of Respect: A Memoir by James Prince.”

My next goal: To establish the Wendell Scott Art & Innovation Center in downtown Danville.