Highland Springs High School graduate Dystany Spurlock made history this spring by becoming the first Black woman to compete in one of NASCAR’s top three circuits, and she’s bringing her trailblazing Truck Series driving back to Henrico this weekend when she competes in her hometown at Richmond Raceway.
As part of her homecoming, Spurlock visited Highland Springs on Thursday to speak with media members, students, staff members and her family about her racing career. The 2009 graduate remarked about her time at the old Highland Springs High School (now converted into the Oak Avenue Complex), where she competed in cheerleading, track and field and even football — the lone young woman on the team — and began chasing her motorsports dream.
“I left here with a dream, and I’m standing here today because this place — this school, these people — never let me forget where I came from, even while I was chasing where I was going,” she said.
After performances from the Highland Springs Marching Battalion and the cheerleading team kicked off the event, Spurlock spoke alongside Highland Springs High School principal Ken White, Henrico County Supervisor Tyrone Nelson, County Manager John Vithoulkas and Foxxtecca co-founders Kellie Crawford and Chris Harris.
“Today, we celebrate more than this opportunity. We celebrate possibility, we celebrate progress, and we celebrate a Springer whose accomplishments will inspire generations of students to dream bigger and reach higher,” said Dr. White.
Rev. Nelson continued lauding the groundbreaking driver before making a proclamation on behalf of the Henrico County Board of Supervisors to make Aug. 13, 2026, “Dystany Spurlock Day.”
“The Henrico community feels immense pride as one of our own shatters barriers, inspires young people and sets a path for future trailblazers,” Rev. Nelson said. “Dystany, your journey shows us that all of these extraordinary dreams you had can begin right at home.”
Spurlock will be qualifying for the Black's Tire 250 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race Friday evening before the race begins at 7:30 p.m. at Richmond Raceway. She thanked everyone who has supported her in her journey, especially in Highland Springs, That includes her family, her peers and even her former teachers who she's still close with.
“I want to say thank you, and for all the Springers here, you already know, ‘once a Springer, always a Springer!”
