In the 1970s, Oliver was a crew member on the Patrick Petroleum- Wally Dallenbach Indy car team. Sumner "Red" Oliver, a black racing pioneer from Indianapolis, was honored at BARA's first convention in Trenton, New Jersey in 1974, for his success as a driver from the 1920s through the 1950s and as a mechanic on the United States Auto Club (USAC) championship circuit. Each year BARA sponsored a dinner dance honoring black racing's most accomplished individuals. In BARA's five years in existence, its membership grew to nearly 5000 persons, including several car clubs. Those noted in the association's yearbook included Hollywood Sam's in Detroit and Trio Auto Supply in Trenton, New Jersey.Ĭonventions, award recipients and sponsors The most distinctive benefit of BARA membership was a membership card honored for discounts by speed shops and auto stores throughout the United States. ![]() Both levels received decals, patches, and newsletters. In 1974, BARA's regular membership cost $10, and a lifetime membership was $100. Long-term goals included educating BARA's membership in building successful racing teams, reducing sponsorship inequities facing black racers and teams, and supporting the continuation and growth of racing in general. BARA ceased operations in 1978.īARA's short-term goals were to publicize to the American public the all but forgotten achievements of blacks in racing, to interest minority youth in racing-oriented careers, and to increase black spectator interest in motor sports. BARA was formed to give recognition to black racing drivers, crews, mechanics, car owners, and other members of the auto racing community and corporations that help promote black racing development. Miller, Ron Hines, Eugene Gadson, and Charles Singleton. The Black American Racers Association (BARA) was founded in August 1972 in Trenton, New Jersey by Leonard W. ![]() Miller, Wendell Scott, and Ronald Hines (l-r) of the Black American Racers Association
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