Bill Lester
- NASCAR Pioneer & Diversity Advocate
- Author of 'Winning in Reverse'
- Formally trained and employed Computer Scientist who risked it all to live out his racing dream
Travels From
Georgia
Former NASCAR driver opens up about being 1 of only 7 black drivers
Bill Lester Speaker Biography
Bill Lester's journey from Silicon Valley engineer to professional race car driver is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. Born and raised in California, Lester earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from the University of California, Berkeley. He then spent 15 years at Hewlett-Packard, where he worked as a computer scientist and project manager. Despite a successful career in technology, Lester couldn't shake his childhood dream of racing. At the age of 40, he made the bold decision to leave the corporate world and pursue auto racing full-time.
Entering the racing scene as an African American in his forties, Lester faced skepticism and challenges. Undeterred, he began competing in amateur road-racing events, quickly showcasing his talent and determination. His persistence paid off when he attracted the attention of team owners, leading to opportunities in professional racing.
Lester's professional racing career spanned over a decade, during which he competed in prestigious series such as the SCCA Trans-Am Series, IMSA Series, and the NASCAR Truck Series. In 2006, he made history by becoming the first African American driver in 20 years to compete in NASCAR's premier Cup Series. Throughout his career, Lester achieved notable success, including earning three pole positions and securing multiple top-10 finishes. Beyond the track, Lester has been a prominent advocate for diversity in motorsports. His memoir, Winning in Reverse: Defying the Odds and Achieving Dreams—The Bill Lester Story, published in February 2021, chronicles his unconventional path and the obstacles he overcame. The book serves as a motivational guide, encouraging readers to pursue their passions despite societal expectations.
In March 2021, at the age of 60, Lester made a remarkable return to racing by participating in the NASCAR Truck Series at Atlanta Motor Speedway. This comeback not only highlighted his enduring passion for the sport but also underscored his commitment to promoting diversity within NASCAR. Today, Lester continues to inspire audiences as a keynote speaker, sharing his insights on discipline, resilience, and the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone to achieve greatness.
To book Bill Lester call Executive Speakers Bureau at 901-754-9404.
• Teamwork - a critical component to utilize when attempting to accomplish common goals. Using examples from his background both in professional auto racing and corporate America, Bill cites how collaboration brings forth best ideas and synergies. Teamwork fosters cooperation and incorporates different views, knowledge, and experiences to arrive at optimal solutions to problems.
• Perseverance - Bill shares personal stories of how persistence is a cornerstone to his personal achievement and success, just as it is to that of others. Determination is just as key. He shares examples of how utilizing different techniques that encourage perseverance can render obstacles once thought insurmountable to become attainable.
• Innovation - is key to navigating and advancing in todays’ society. It is no longer business as usual. Pivoting is the new normal. Reinvention, and the creation of newly developed strategies, processes, and methods is integral to both business competitiveness as well as personal achievement and growth. Bill thoughtfully provides insights to support these statements owing to his experiences in both the high tech sector and the racing industry.
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion – Whether it was attending a high school with a student body of 2600 students of which only a dozen or so were black, or being one of only a handful of black students to graduate a top university with an engineering degree, to working as one of the few black project managers in Silicon Valley during the high-tech boom of the 80s, or driving race cars in the rarified air of NASCAR, Bill grew accustomed to typically being “the only one in the room”. He reflects on these experiences and how he navigated them to his benefit. He also speaks to the power of embracing diversity and how incorporating people of different backgrounds and experiences can lead to more effective and productive outcomes.
