An African American, Buckles was a member of NASCAR's first Drive for Diversity class after cutting his teeth at the regional racing level.
16 Facts About Morty Buckles
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2.
In 2006, Morty Buckles planned to race in the ARCA Racing Series and Sprint Cup Series with a team owned by former NFL wide receiver Terance Mathis, but the deal ultimately fell through.
3.
Morty Buckles has a degree in mechanical engineering from Southern Polytechnic State University, and has served as an instructor at the Richard Petty Driving Experience.
4.
Morty Buckles calls the son of Wendell Scott, Wendell Scott Jr.
5.
From 1995 to 1998, Morty Buckles drove in the Sportsman and Late model divisions at Lanier Raceplex.
6.
In 2001, Buckles drove a Pontiac Late model in the NASCAR Weekly Racing Series for the Miller Racing Group, run by black owners Leonard W Miller and his son Leonard T Miller.
7.
Morty Buckles participated in an ARCA Racing Series test session at Daytona International Speedway in December 2001 for Bobby Gerhart in a number 7 Chevrolet.
8.
Morty Buckles clocked in at 50.356 seconds, 19th fastest.
9.
In 2004, Morty Buckles was selected to be part of NASCAR's first Drive for Diversity class for that season, driving the No 54 National Guard Ford in the Late model division of the NASCAR Weekly Racing Series, splitting the year between Southampton Motor Speedway and Motor Mile Speedway in Virginia.
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Morty Buckles drove for Belnavis Racing, owned by Roush Racing's chief diversity officer Sam Belnavis.
11.
Later in the year, Morty Buckles participated in a recruitment combine for Roush Racing, frequently referred to as The Gong Show, at North Wilkesboro Speedway.
12.
Morty Buckles returned to the program and the 54 car in 2005, but was one of several drivers to depart from the D4D program due to feeling limited by the equipment and resources provided to them.
13.
In July 2005, Morty Buckles left the Diversity program to join former NFL wide receiver Terance Mathis and his new race team Victory Motorsports, planning to race in the Nextel Cup Series and ARCA Racing Series.
14.
Morty Buckles attempted one ARCA race at Nashville Speedway with ST2 Motorsports, failing to qualify in their No 67 Dodge.
15.
Morty Buckles has a wife Maria, an engineer, and three children.
16.
The Buckles relationship with the Ragans goes back to the 1940s, when Morty Buckles' grandfather worked as a mechanic on the race team owned by Ken Ragan's father.