Dystany Spurlock, a professional motorcycle drag racer, has officially begun her pursuit of a lifelong ambition to compete in NASCAR’s Cup Series by preparing to race in the ARCA Menards Series in 2026. This marks the start of her transition into stock car racing, a path she intends to follow gradually by moving through late model events and ARCA competitions under NASCAR’s approval process.
Stepwise Pathway Through Late Model and ARCA Racing
Spurlock’s entry into stock cars will begin with the late model racing series at Hickory Motor Speedway in North Carolina, giving her critical experience on paved oval tracks. Following this, she aims to compete in the ARCA Menards Series East race at Hickory late next March. Progressing further, she targets participation in a national ARCA Menards Series race during the spring, ultimately working toward a full season on the ARCA national circuit. These phases are designed to hone her skills and prepare her for NASCAR’s top development circuit.
A Historic Milestone for NASCAR and Diversity
If Spurlock successfully completes this progression, she would become the first Black woman in NASCAR’s 77-year history to compete at any level. While her primary focus remains on improving her craft and securing race opportunities, this achievement would hold significant historical importance for the sport’s diversity and inclusion efforts.
Support and Team Backing in Spurlock’s Transition
Her stock car racing development is supported by MBM Motorsports, a team with decades of NASCAR experience led by former driver and team owner Carl Long. Based in Statesville, North Carolina, MBM Motorsports offers the expertise and resources crucial to Spurlock’s ARCA campaign. Veteran NASCAR athletic trainer Phil Horton is also involved, facilitating the partnership that helps advance Spurlock’s development.
Documenting Spurlock’s Progress with Foxxtecca
Throughout the demanding licensing process, Spurlock’s journey will be documented by her primary sponsor Foxxtecca, an events and media company co-founded by Chris Harris and Kellie Crawford. Their documentary, Driven by Dystany: The Road to NASCAR, promises to provide an unfiltered look at the challenges and dedication involved in pursuing a NASCAR license and striving toward the ultimate goal of entering the Cup Series.
Long-Term Development Through Community and Leadership
Spurlock’s move into stock car racing is the result of six years of development orchestrated by the African American Automotive Association (AAAA) and supported by Foxxtecca. The AAAA, managed by Chris Harris, has played a vital role in guiding Spurlock’s career and driver growth, positioning her for this transition into higher levels of motorsport competition.
Dystany’s resilience is one for the record books. She has gracefully plowed through every roadblock and worked her tail off for this very moment,
Harris said.
She has earned this opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream of racing at this level, and Foxxtecca is making sure she has the support she needs to maximize it.
– Chris Harris, Co-founder of Foxxtecca
Spurlock’s Background as a Trailblazer in Motorcycle Drag Racing
Before switching to stock cars, Spurlock made history as a motorcycle drag racer. She was the first woman to win the Real Street class in the XDA Motorcycle Drag Racing Series, setting a world record in the process. She also holds numerous performance records on the BMW S1000RR both in the U.S. and internationally.
In 2025, she became only the second Black woman to compete professionally in the NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle class. She is preparing for her second season with the Arana Racing team, led by father-and-son team Hector Arana Sr. and Hector Arana Jr. Spurlock intends to juggle racing in both motorcycle drag and stock car competition in the coming season, a rare dual challenge.
This is about earning the opportunity the right way,
Spurlock said.
Nothing about this has come easy. It’s taken sacrifice and believing in myself even when the odds were stacked against me. Stepping into NASCAR would be more than the next stage in my career. It would also prove that if you keep pushing and refuse to let obstacles stop you, doors really can open.
– Dystany Spurlock, Racer
The Significance and Future Impact of Spurlock’s NASCAR Journey
Spurlock’s gradual approach to NASCAR competition reflects both respect for the sport’s demanding standards and keen awareness of her unique place in its history. By advancing through late model and ARCA racing, she is setting a foundation to compete against experienced drivers on some of NASCAR’s most challenging circuits. Her presence in the series also signals progress in motorsports diversity, inspiring other underrepresented individuals to pursue similar paths.
With a strong support system from MBM Motorsports, Foxxtecca, and the African American Automotive Association, Spurlock’s development appears positioned for steady progress. The unfolding of her journey, documented through the Driven by Dystany series, will offer fans and the racing community insight into the dedication and determination required to make history in NASCAR.
