Mary Scott, wife of NASCAR Hall-of-Famer Wendell Scott, dies

Mary Scott, the wife of NASCAR Hall-of-Famer Wendell Scott, has died.

“NASCAR extends its thoughts and condolences to the many family members and friends of Mary Scott, widow of Wendell Scott and matriarch of the Scott family,” said the hall’s executive director, Winston Kelley, in a statement. “Loved by all, she was a friendly and welcoming presence in the garage during her husband’s competitive days in NASCAR. Her love and support provided Wendell a foundation for his many years of racing excellence, and helped guide his legend to NASCAR’s pinnacle – the NASCAR Hall of Fame.”

Mary and Wendell Scott raised a family of children while Wendell Scott pursued his Hall-of-Fame racing career. They were married in 1943.

Wendell Scott, who died in 1999, was part of the Hall of Fame’s 2015 class and the hall’s first African-American member. Mary Scott worked tirelessly to secure her husband’s induction, but was not well enough to attend the induction ceremony in Charlotte earlier this year.

This story was originally published July 2, 2015 at 8:30 PM with the headline "Mary Scott, wife of NASCAR Hall-of-Famer Wendell Scott, dies."