Faster Than the Speed of Race*

Friday, February 14th, 11am at Barter's Smith Theatre

Faster Than the Speed of Race is a high-speed ride — one act, no brakes — through the life of NASCAR legend Wendell Scott. With his loyal crew and beloved stock car, Baby Blue, Scott races against reckless engines and the relentless injustices of Jim Crow to become the first Black man to claim victory at NASCAR's highest level. More than a sports story, this play is about one man's unstoppable drive to break barriers before they could break him.

Written by: Russell Nichols

Russell Nichols is an award-winning speculative fiction writer, internationally produced playwright, poet, and journalist. His plays — which revolve around concepts of race, technology, masculinity and existentialism — have been produced by Nylon Fusion, the Fade to Black Festival, the UK's Science Fiction Theatre, and others. Raised in Richmond, California, he got rid of all his stuff in 2011 to live out of a backpack with his wife, vagabonding around the world ever since. Look for him at russellnichols.com.

*This production is 2025 Black Stories Black Voices selection; A program made possible in part thanks to funding from The Jessie Ball duPont Fund.