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Uppity: The Willy T. Ribbs Story

Play trailer Poster for Uppity: The Willy T. Ribbs Story 2020 1h 39m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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An in-depth profile of the life and career of Willy T. Ribbs the controversial Black driver who shattered the color barrier of professional auto-racing and became the first Black qualifier in the storied history of the Indy 500. Willy T. Ribbs was the Jackie Robinson of auto racing. Despite being a Formula Ford champion in England, Willy T. had another race to win when he returned to America--the race against bigotry. Many owners, mechanics, sponsors, and drivers in the racing world derisively referred to Willy as "Uppity" behind his back; death-threats, unwarranted suspensions, and engine sabotage followed him throughout his journey in racing. Despite the setbacks, he was an amazing driver and he became one of the winningest drivers in the history of the Trans Am series. The establishment did everything in their power to keep this great driver down, based on his defiant attitude and antics. Through sheer determination, Willy shattered the color barrier in professional racing, becoming the first Black man to race in the Indy 500.

Critics Reviews

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Jason Clinkscales Decider 10/20/2021
What was perceived as arrogance by fans, media and some drivers was really confidence manifested in someone with a skin tone that supposedly didn't belong. But Ribbs belonged - and he'll tell you exactly why... Go to Full Review Kellen Beck Mashable 10/20/2021
The story of Willy T. Ribbs is incredible. Go to Full Review Christian Toto HollywoodInToto.com 04/07/2020
3.5/4
Adam Carolla's documentary captures glory, guts of auto racing's 'Jackie Robinson' Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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04/23/2023 Hands-down, the best automotive documentary I have ever watched!! See more 11/05/2021 Powerful and inspiring story of a man achieving everything he could against all odds. It unapologetically presents the openly racist evil this man faced in his time. See more Chris W @RT85185087 10/21/2021 Where else can you find such insight into a racing career See more 02/13/2021 Awesome doc. This movie should have won a dozen awards. See more 01/17/2021 Well done. Great interviews. See more 12/15/2020 A very interesting and well done documentary. I watched it twice. See more Read all reviews
Uppity: The Willy T. Ribbs Story

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Cast & Crew

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Nate Adams

Director

Adam Carolla

Director

Adam Carolla

Producer

Nate Adams

Producer

Mike August

Producer

Adam Sherer

Cinematographer
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Uppity: The Willy T. Ribbs Story

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Movie Info

Synopsis An in-depth profile of the life and career of Willy T. Ribbs the controversial Black driver who shattered the color barrier of professional auto-racing and became the first Black qualifier in the storied history of the Indy 500. Willy T. Ribbs was the Jackie Robinson of auto racing. Despite being a Formula Ford champion in England, Willy T. had another race to win when he returned to America--the race against bigotry. Many owners, mechanics, sponsors, and drivers in the racing world derisively referred to Willy as "Uppity" behind his back; death-threats, unwarranted suspensions, and engine sabotage followed him throughout his journey in racing. Despite the setbacks, he was an amazing driver and he became one of the winningest drivers in the history of the Trans Am series. The establishment did everything in their power to keep this great driver down, based on his defiant attitude and antics. Through sheer determination, Willy shattered the color barrier in professional racing, becoming the first Black man to race in the Indy 500.
Director
Nate Adams, Adam Carolla
Producer
Adam Carolla, Nate Adams, Mike August
Production Co
Chassy Media
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Jan 7, 2020
Runtime
1h 39m