Deb Williams, a trailblazing journalist in the realm of motorsports, has been inducted into the National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA) Hall of Fame. Her induction was introduced by Kyle Petty and NMPA President Kelly Crandall presented her with the Hall of Fame jacket. Williams, who began her NASCAR coverage in the 1970s, was one of the first women in the garage and has since garnered multiple journalism awards. She was the first female to cover NASCAR regularly for United Press International (UPI), the first female to win the NMPA Writer of the Year, and the first female recipient of the Henry T. McLemore Award for media excellence. Additionally, she served as the sports editor for The Mountaineer newspaper and an editor for Winston Cup Scene. Williams's career began during a time when her credential stated 'no women allowed in the pits', highlighting the barriers she has overcome. Her contributions have significantly impacted NASCAR coverage and opened doors for women in sports journalism.
An honor to induct my friend, Deb Williams, into the @NMPAonline Hall of Fame. Deb started covering racing in the 70s and became a close friend of my family. She truly is a trailblazer for women in motorsports journalism. https://t.co/RrnEPY6mva
Deb Williams once carried a credential that read, “no women allowed in the pits.” She’s gone on to win multiple journalism awards, serve as editor for Winston Cup Scene, write books, and so much more. Welcome to the NMPA Hall of Fame. https://t.co/ThQXIKN27L
1st female to cover NASCAR on a regular basis for UPI (and only female employed by them in NC for 2 1/2 years) 1st female to win NMPA writer of the year. 1st female to win the Henry T. McLemore Award for media excellence. 1st female sports editor of The Mountaineer newspaper.… https://t.co/tPFxtErQ3w
.@kylepetty introduces the newest NMPA Hall of Famer, @DebWilliams72. #NMPA President @KellyCrandall presents Deb Williams with her Hall of Fame jacket. https://t.co/QfHEz9iS0b
Trailblazer. Author. Writer. Deb Williams broke barriers as one of first women in the garage covering NASCAR & still proving 4 decades later to be one of the greatest to ever do it. All women covering NASCAR stand on her shoulders. When I told her that today she said “That must… https://t.co/RC14uX42BG