NASCAR Diversity News

Updated: 2010

Saturday, March 6, 2010

NASCAR to honor Wendell Scott: NASCAR Sprint Cup and Camping World Truck Series vehicles will carry a special commemorative decal honoring Wendell Scott's first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start on March 4, 1961. Wendell was a racing pioneer, becoming the first African-American to win a race in NASCAR's premier series on Dec. 1, 1963."This is enormous for our family in so many ways," Sybil Scott said. "(My father) would want the young drivers coming up today to be inspired." Ryan Gifford, one of the Drive for Diversity participants, visited with Scott's family earlier this year for the reality show Changing Lanes, and he said the experience humbled him. "It really showed me what he went through to open the door for someone like myself," Scott said. "I couldn't be more grateful." And that's what Sybil Scott hopes her father's true legacy is: creating opportunities for future minority drivers. "Daddy's legacy is through the diversity program," Sybil Scott said. "The doors are open pretty wide right now, I feel very strongly. "I can only look at these drivers and think of how my dad would be their greatest fan. He would be out there encouraging them and would want others to be supportive. That's how to keep Daddy's legacy alive."(AMS)

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Drivers compete for spot on Drive for Diversity roster: The Drive for Diversity program held its combinein Radford, Va., where 30 drivers are vying for 10 spots in next year's program. Ten are competing for four seats with the program's Camping World Series teams. Those 10 are: Mackena Bell (Carson City, Nev.), Jessica Brunelli (Hayward, Calif.), Michael Cherry (Valrico, Fla.), Ryan Gifford (Winchester, Tenn.), Paulie Harraka (Fair Lawn, N.J.), Rebecca Kasten (Mequon, Wis.), Sergio Pena (Catharpin, Va.), Juan Pitta (Galt, Calif.), Katie Hagar (Nobleboro, Maine) and Darrell Wallace Jr. (Mobile, Ala.). (News-Record)

Friday, July 17, 2009

Hernandez to compete in ARCA race with Truex's car: NASCAR Drive for Diversity graduate Jesus Hernandez will take another step forward in his career Saturday night when he competes in the ARCA race at the Kentucky Speedway. Hernandez will compete in a car entered by his fellow worker at Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing, Sprint Cup driver Martin Truex Jr. (No. 1 Bass Pro Chevy). Hernandez will pilot the No. 56 Chevrolet. The car will have support from lavendar Boutique and G.C. Pollex and Associates. Hernandez will be making his second career ARCA start, previously racing in this event in 2007, finishing an impressive sixth in his debut. The team, made up of many Sprint Cup employees moonlighting on this project, has made this a true grassroots effort. The team has worked for nearly eight months preparing this car for Saturday night’s race. Hernandez, 27, has competed this season in the Camping World East Series and has collected three top-10 finishes, including one top-five.(Breaking Limits PR)

Thursday, June 25, 2009

NASCAR cuts support for Urban Youth Racing School: In 11 years of existence the Urban Youth Racing School has become a presence in NASCAR. With NASCAR trying to stimulate its diversity and create new fans, UYRS students have interned with NASCAR racing teams and visited racetracks. Two years ago, Rick Wagoner, then chairman of General Motors, was the keynote speaker at the school's annual dinner in Philadelphia. Mike Helton, NASCAR's president, has attended the annual dinner. According to Anthony Martin, the school's founder and executive director, NASCAR has contributed about $250,000 over the past 7 or 8 years to the school. Now, however, the school has no affiliation with NASCAR. What happened? "NASCAR has decided to work with some other youth racing organizations," Marcus Jadotte, NASCAR's managing director of public affairs, said yesterday from the organization's headquarters in Daytona Beach, Fla. "In this period of limited budgets, we're not able to continue working with the Urban Youth Racing School as we have in the past." (Philadelphia Daily News)

Monday, June 15, 2009

NASCAR has zero tolerance policy concerning race: Brian France also said that suspending a Nationwide crew chief for uttering a racial slur at driver Marc Davis, who is African-American, at last week's race in Nashville, shows how serious series officials are about issues of race. "It's unacceptable," France said of the crew chief's actions. "I think (NASCAR president) Mike Helton made that clear that zero tolerance in that area is zero tolerance. We're not going to let one incident... affect where the sport is going. That doesn't reflect what we're doing. It's disappointing and we dealt with it." (Virginian-Pilot)

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

NASCAR responds to NAACP: NAACP members are also considering an economic boycott of Chamber of Commerce member businesses, as well as the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR), which holds championship races for the league’s top three series in Homestead during the month of November. NASCAR already bans Confederacy memorabilia and symbols, including the flag, according to a spokesman. “Our policy is that the flag and its symbol is prohibited on anything we control. You won’t find it on cars, uniforms, in our promotions, or any of our marketing materials,” said Ramsey Poston, NASCAR’s managing director of corporate communications. “We have had this policy in place for nearly twenty years. Obviously, it’s a divisive symbol and we have been very stout about enforcing the policy.” Poston said the organization has little control over fans who might bring Confederate flags to race tracks – which NASCAR does not own – or wear the flags on their personal clothing. But he said NASCAR is eager to discuss the controversy with the NAACP. “We have not heard from them, and obviously we will be happy to speak with them, but while NASCAR races at the Homestead track, we don’t own it, or any other track, and are quite a bit removed from the situation,” Poston explained. (South Florida Times)

Sunday, May 24, 2009

NASCAR facing possible protest: The Miami-Dade branch of the NAACP has set its sights on NASCAR, Homestead’s major national attraction, in its fight against the Confederate flag. The civil rights organization will first reach out to officials with NASCAR, seeking to enlist their help in efforts to ban the controversial symbol from city-sponsored events. If that does not work, however, NAACP officials say they will consider a boycott and protest march at the NASCAR events slated for Nov. 20-22 at the Homestead-Miami Motor Speedway. NAACP officials on Wednesday said they are drafting a letter to NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France, who has publicly spoken out against the Confederate flag in recent years. If the civil rights organization does not get the racing league’s cooperation and support, officials there said they are prepared to begin contacting NASCAR’s sponsors, and to stage protests during the races.(South Florida Times)

Friday, April 24, 2009

New NASCAR reality series on BET: Black Entertainment Television, a network keyed to African-Americans, will air a show next season with NASCAR, a sport that has tried for years to improve diversity within its ranks. "Changing Lanes," a docu-reality series expected to launch in 2010, will spotlight drivers in NASCAR's "Drive for Diversity" program. BET has bought 10 episodes of the hour-long show.(New York Daily News)

Friday, March 20, 2009

Daugherty plans to pay tribute to Scott: Many NASCAR fans will realize a dream at Bristol Motor Speedway this weekend when a cast of legendary drivers returns for the Saturday Night Special. For Brad Daugherty, the 15-lap celebrity event before the legends race will have special meaning. The former National Basketball Association star and current ESPN analyst will pay tribute to the first African-American driver to compete full-time in NASCAR’s premier series. Daugherty’s Late Model car will feature the No. 34, the former number of Wendell Scott. “Wendell is one of my heroes, and I wanted to honor him,” Daugherty said. A life-long race fan who grew up in rural North Carolina, Daugherty said he wishes more fans had a deeper appreciation for the contributions of Scott. “I don’t think people appreciate the tenacity that the guy had,’’ Daugherty said. “Wendell was treated almost sub-human at times, but he persevered and did what he wanted to do no matter the obstacle.” (Bristol Herald Courier)

Friday, January 16, 2009

Siegel leaves DEI; to head NASCAR Drive for Diversity: NASCAR hit a ringing double on Wednesday, making a deal that puts Max Siegel in charge of managing the Drive for Diversity program. In hiring Siegel, stock-car racing's leadership took a big step toward bringing a level of credibility to its diversity initiative. But as much as I thnk of Siegel, I will tell you right now that his name and his efforts alone can not turn the hire into the home run that NASCAR needs in this important at bat. Siegel left Dale Earnhardt Inc., where he was president of global operations, to go back to Baker & Daniels, an Indianapolis legal firm where he'd worked from 1992 through 1994. That firm, with Siegel leading the effort, will take over management of the Drive for Diversity program. (ThatsRacin.com)

March 20, 2006:

Crowd favorite Lester: Lester drew a big cheer during Sunday's introductions and spent much of the morning surrounded by photographers and well-wishers. "This is really exciting," said Lester, a regular in NASCAR's Craftsman Truck Series. "I can hardly wait to get started racing." (News-Record)

March 14, 2006:

Lester to attempt NEXTEL Cup start: Racing never has been about race for Bill Lester. "I've always said I don't consider myself, nor do I want to be considered, a black race car driver," he said. "I want to be a race car driver who happens to be black." He concedes, though, the focus on him Friday at Atlanta Motor Speedway will be much more about history than horsepower. Lester will attempt to qualify for Sunday's Nextel Cup Golden Corral 500 in a Bill Davis Racing car sponsored by Waste Management. At stake is a chance to become the first African-American in NASCAR's premier series since Willy T. Ribbs finished 37th at Michigan International Speedway on June 15, 1986. Despite huge growth in attendance and TV ratings the last two decades, NASCAR has lagged in attracting minority fans and competitors. Lester believes he could help change that. "I've been given a very significant opportunity to be a catalyst for change," Lester said. "If NASCAR wants to be America's sport, it has to be more inclusive of color and more reflective of the shade of people across the country. For me to be front and center on the greatest stage NASCAR has will be significant. There are a lot of people of color who don't follow this sport because there's nobody they can identify with." (More at USAToday.com)

Feb. 9, 2006:

NASCAR partners with Historically Black Colleges and Universities: NASCAR announced a collaboration with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and the Universal Technical Institute (UTI) in an effort to further increase diversity in the sport. The NASCAR-HBCU Consortium will aim to increase the number and quality of job opportunities for African-American students in key racing and other related automotive business activities. The announcement of the Consortium came at a press conference on Capitol Hill. Speaker of the House J. Dennis Hastert (R-IL) and Members Mike Rogers (R-AL) and Mel Watt (D-NC) announced a Congressional Resolution recognizing the creation of the NASCAR-HBCU Consortium. The Members encouraged the U.S. Departments of Education and Labor and other appropriate agencies of the federal government to provide suitable assistance and support to ensure the success of this effort. The groups will work together to help create opportunities for students pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees at participating HBCUs. NASCAR, UTI and HBCUs will work together to increase awareness, access to and participation by minority students in the NASCAR Technical Institute curriculum. These students will receive proper training to enter the NASCAR workforce or other related fields including automotive engineering and technology, automotive safety, sports marketing and other automotive industry areas. (NASCAR PR)

Jan 23, 2006:

Drive for Diversity Lineup Announced: The 2006 Drive for Diversity driver roster was announced today by NASCAR Director of Diversity Tish Sheets. The program, which is managed by Access Marketing & Communications, will give eight ethnic and gender diverse drivers the opportunity to compete in the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series. The drivers were chosen from a pool of over 300 applicants.

"Through the team work and dedication of NASCAR and our program sponsors we are able to continue reaching our goal of providing a steady pipeline of talented individuals into the sport," said Greg Calhoun, president and CEO of Access Marketing & Communications. "Once again, we are excited to have such skilled, ambitious drivers on our roster. They have truly earned their position in the program and we wish them much success."

"We are thrilled with the opportunities that the Drive for Diversity program has created for diverse drivers and crew members over the past two years," said Sheets. "It is through the support of the entire industry that programs like this can succeed in helping to further diversify NASCAR."

The Drive for Diversity program was founded in 2004 to help develop diverse and female drivers and crew members and is endorsed as NASCAR's leading on-track diversity initiative. Nineteen applicants were chosen to participate in the Drive for Diversity Testing & Evaluation Combine last October. They were observed during various on-track test sessions and off-track interviews.

The following eight drivers were selected by their respective team owners to compete in the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series this season:

* Chris Bristol, competing with Ken Schrader Racing, is a Columbus, Ohio native who made history as the first African American to win a race at Hickory (N.C.) Motor Speedway and Caraway (N.C.) Speedway. He had three wins, 12 top-five and 14 top-10 finishes in 2005.

* Brianne Cronrath of Fleetwood, Pa. participated in the Drive for Diversity program in 2005 competing at Motor Mile Speedway in Radford, Va. This season she will join Spraker Racing Enterprises.

* Allison Duncan will drive for Richard Childress Racing in 2006. Duncan, from San Rafael, Calif., has been with the Drive for Diversity program since its initial season in 2004. Last year she became the first Drive for Diversity participant to win a race and the first woman to win at Stockton (Calif.) 99 Speedway.

* Marc Davis of Mitchellville, Md. will join Joe Gibbs Racing. In 2005 he competed at Summit Point (W. Va.) Raceway and Hickory (N.C.) Motor Speedway where he became the NASA Road Course Points Championship in the Super Unlimited Division.

* Paul Harraka will compete with Spraker Racing Enterprise. The Fairlawn, N.J. native had 20 wins in the World Karting Association and Stars of Karting Series in 2005. He is a seven time World Karting Association National Champion.

* Jessica Helberg of Petaluma, Calif. competed at various tracks across the west coast in 2005, earning four top-five and 12 top-10 finishes. She will drive for drag racing icon Frank Pedregon in 2006.

* Jesus Hernandez of Fresno, Calif., returns for his second season as a Drive for Diversity participant. He finished 2005 with one top-five and six top-10 finishes. He will join MB2 Motorsports in 2006.

* Peter Hernandez from Blue Island, Ill. competed in the Mid-American Stock Car Series in 2005, finishing first in points with 14 top-five finishes. This season he will compete with Bill McAnally Racing. (NASCAR PR)

Oct. 8, 2005:

Lester's Cup debut on hold: Bill Lester's bid to become the first African-American driver to compete in NASCAR's top series since 1986 will be delayed until next season. Mike Brown, general manager for Bill Davis Racing, had said the team hoped to have Lester compete in select races this season, depending on sponsorship. Brown said Friday at Kansas Speedway that Lester's debut likely will take place early next year. It could happen at Atlanta Motor Speedway, a track Bill Davis Racing excels. "We do have some plans for Lester in '06,'' Brown said. "Right now, it's hard to say what it will be, one or two races or as many as 10. "It just hasn't really come together as fast as we hoped. The key is we want to do it right. Another six months is not going to make a huge difference to try to do it the right way.'' The 44-year-old Lester competes in the Craftsman Truck series for Bill Davis Racing. He ranks 18th in the points. (Roanoke.com)

Oct. 6, 2005:

NASCAR kicks off minority college tour: NASCAR on Thursday announced the details for the 2005 NASCAR College Tour presented by The Coca-Cola Company. In a joint effort, NASCAR and The Coca-Cola Company will visit four Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Hispanic Serving Institutions to raise awareness about the NASCAR industry and its many career opportunities. The tour kicks off Thursday with a visit to Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, N.C.  Students will get an in-depth look at the business side of NASCAR as presented by a panel of industry executives and select students will have the opportunity to earn scholarships. In addition, NASCAR and partnering companies will be collecting resumes from attending students to help with internships and job placement within the industry. "The NASCAR College Tour presented by The Coca-Cola Company has been educating diverse college students about the opportunities in NASCAR for five years," said Tish Sheets, NASCAR director of diversity. "The College Tour has helped increase exposure for the NASCAR Diversity Internship Program which, in turn, has led to more diverse students earning jobs within the industry." Beatriz Perez, vice president, media, sports and entertainment marketing for The Coca-Cola Company said, "The Coca-Cola Company has been proud to partner with NASCAR on the College Tour since its inception in 2001. A strong commitment to education and sports has been a part of Coca-Cola for many years, and we feel it is important to introduce NASCAR and its career opportunities to students of all backgrounds." The 2005 NASCAR College Tour also will visit North Carolina A&T State University on Oct. 12, Clark Atlanta University on Oct. 27 and the University of Miami on Nov. 17. At each school visit, three pre-selected students will compete for a NASCAR scholarship presented by UPS. Each student will make a presentation on NASCAR, diversity and corporate America related opportunities. The winner will be selected by the executive panel. Along with the educational aspects of the College Tour, NASCAR will have an on-campus presence all day, including the Nextel Mini-Experience, show cars, informational booths and live music. Students will also see a College Tour video voiced by hip-hop pioneer and radio personality Funkmaster Flex. (NASCAR PR)

Aug 21, 2005

Brown hopes to spread Urban fan base: While the youths on the streets around the area often sport the look of their favorite NBA player, a popular NFL star, or some rap impresario, NASCAR is no where to be found. Tim Brown thinks he can change that. The former Heisman Trophy winner from Notre Dame, who ended his 17-year NFL career as the No. 2 all-time leading receiver, is starting a racing team that he hopes can bring a flush of diversity to the sport and make NASCAR a player on its final domestic frontier - the inner city. That seed has already been planted with the kids from Cornerstone. Six of them visited Michigan International Speedway here on Friday, and if they were not NASCAR fans when they arrived, they were when they left. "Our children's eyes are wide open," Cornerstone president Ernestine Sanders said. "They see all that goes into this sport, and they are fascinated with the engineering, the science, and all of the people and elements it takes to make these cars perform so well. NASCAR wants to show the sport to kids in the cities, and I think the kids are going to love it." The Cornerstone children showed a fascination NASCAR hopes is highly contagious. And if Tim Brown's diversity push pans out, this megasport could saddle up alongside the NFL as top dog in the American sports market. Brown admits it is an ambitious undertaking. He has a degree in sociology and a minor in business, and he is probably going to need them both, and then some, to make this all work. "There's an opportunity for me to come in, take the NASCAR beast and in some kind of way put it together with the urban community," Brown said. "We think we'll be able to do that, to bring people in who maybe have not been in NASCAR. You know, it's not cool to wear a Dale Earnhardt jacket in the neighborhood. You just can't be cool and wear that jacket. But what we want to do is to make that cool." (Toledo Blade)

July 26, 2005

NASCAR announces Diversity Scholarships: The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) today announced the details for the 2005 diversity scholarship program. NASCAR will honor 12 students with the Wendell Scott Scholarship Award through the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU). This year will mark the fifth year that the scholarships have been awarded. "My father was forever explaining to all of his children, and any other youth that crossed his path, that a person needs an education, be they rich or poor," said Wendell Scott Jr. "He'd share that his greatest accomplishment was working hard enough to send all six of his children to college. He believed one's best show of competitiveness was walking across that stage to receive one's diploma. The Wendell Scott Scholarship Award is a victory for those of us from diverse backgrounds; it's better than any checkered flag. We, the Wendell Scott Family, salute you NASCAR for having the courage to want to help." Eight undergraduate and four graduate scholarships will be awarded to students based on a number of criteria. Students must attend any of the 39 UNCF-member colleges and universities or 39 HACU-member colleges and universities during the 2004-2005 school year. To qualify for the awards, students must carry a minimum grade point average, provide a nominating letter from a current faculty member of the student's university and write a one-page statement demonstrating an interest in the motorsports industry. "The diversity scholarship program is another great example of NASCAR's commitment to diversity," said Earvin "Magic" Johnson, co-chairman of NASCAR's Executive Steering Committee for Diversity. "I look forward to continue working with NASCAR on this and the many other diversity initiatives currently in place." This year's scholarship recipients are: Uralonda Prioleau (Claflin University in Orangeburg, S.C.), Michael Coaxum (Claflin University), Tia Carter (St. Augustine's College in Raleigh, N.C.), Crystal Wells (Wiley College in Marshall, Texas), Brandon Ellison (Lane College in Jackson, Tenn.), Kayla Strickland (Lane College), Vanesa Casado (University of Miami in Coral Gables, Fla.), Ricardo Contreras (Texas A&M University, Kingsville), Jose Cotto (Universidad Metropolitana in Cupey, Puerto Rico), Robert Dominguez (St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas), Monique Nelson (Texas A&M University, Kingsville) and Teresa Ernest (University of Central Florida in Orlando, Fla.). In addition to the Wendell Scott Scholarship Awards, NASCAR also awards scholarship funds to the DeVos Sport Business Management Program at the University of Central Florida, the Urban Youth Racing School and North Carolina A&T University Motorsports Program. Wendell Scott was the most prominent African-American driver to compete in NASCAR's premier division. Scott competed in 495 events in his 13 year career, tying him for 27th on the all-time list. He earned his only career win at Jacksonville (Fla.) Speedway Park in 1963. (NASCAR PR)

June 1, 2005

Waster Management and NASCAR Diversity: Waste Management, Inc. (NYSE: WMI) will host an event today in Washington, D.C. to highlight the contributions of African Americans in motorsports and the diversity initiatives underway in NASCAR. The event, which will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the National Press Club, will include a screening of the documentary "Black Wheels," introduced by accomplished actor and director Tim Reid of New Millennium Studios, as well as a panel discussion moderated by award-winning broadcaster Ed Gordon.  "Waste Management has a company-wide commitment to diversity, and our support of NASCAR-related programs such as Drive for DiversitySM and the documentary 'Black Wheels' is a big part of that," said Carlton Yearwood, Waste Management's chief diversity officer. "We are thrilled to host a pre-screening of 'Black Wheels', which focuses on the history of African-Americans in motor sports, and we are looking forward to discussing the future of the issue during the panel discussion. This is an important topic that we felt deserved a national stage where the key players can provide their viewpoints."  The panel discussion will feature a diverse group of panelists from NASCAR, representing many perspectives on the issue. Panelists will include: NASCAR Director of Diversity Tish Sheets; NASCAR driver Bill Lester, driver in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series; Sam Belnavis, team owner in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series and NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series; Access Marketing & Communications CEO Greg Calhoun, head of the Drive for DiversitySM program; Drive for DiversitySM driver Joe Henderson III; Black Wheels producer Byron Hunter and Waste Management Chief Diversity Officer Carlton Yearwood. The panel discussion will be moderated by Ed Gordon and will include an audience Q&A session.  "Waste Management's drivers, which include an African American, a Latino, a female and a white male, truly represent the face of America," said NASCAR Director of Diversity Tish Sheets. "Waste Management's leadership is an example and benefit for all of NASCAR."  In addition to a major corporate sponsorship of NASCAR, Waste Management has stepped up as a leader in the issue of diversity in NASCAR through sponsorship of drivers Bill Lester and Jesus Hernandez, two prolific ambassadors for diversity and for NASCAR. Lester is in his third year competing in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and will drive the Waste Management No. 22 Toyota Tundra for three races in 2005. Hernandez is driving the No. 17 Waste Management Ford in the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series. In addition, Waste Management sponsors female driver Terri Williams, driving the No. 02 Waste Management Chevrolet in the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series and the Drive for DiversitySM program, to which Williams and Hernandez both belong.

Waste Management is a presenting sponsor of the documentary "Black Wheels," which chronicles the contributions and achievements of African Americans in auto racing from the mid-1920's to the present. "Black Wheels" will take viewers on a historic ride through nearly a century of great performances by African-Americans in auto racing history, from the Gold and Glory Sweepstakes, the first professional auto racing circuit for Blacks in the 1920's, to Willy T. Ribbs' historic run in the Indy 500 in 1991.  "Black Wheels" features the stories of racing legends Charlie Wiggins, Joie Ray and the great Wendell Scott, and will give viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the racing life of driver Bill Lester, currently the only African American driver in NASCAR's top series. In addition, the documentary will showcase prominent African American team owners, racing officials, and programs currently increasing the presence of minorities and women in NASCAR.  The documentary will be broadcast in markets nationwide throughout the summer, and will have its first airing on July 3 on WTTA, Tampa, Florida's WB affiliate. Following this television debut, the film is already scheduled to be broadcast on stations in more than 60 markets, including Chicago and Dallas in July, as well as Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia in August. Stations in other top 10 markets are almost daily committing to broadcast the documentary as well. (Waste Management PR)

March 19, 2005

Motorcycle sensation Stewart, eyes NASCAR: This was going to be the year James "Bubba" Stewart challenged Ricky Carmichael's dominance of the Supercross 250 circuit. That will have to wait until next year because Stewart, the motorcycle racing phenom from East Polk, broke his left wrist just before the second race of the season.  But if this isn't the year, at least this may be the weekend. The THQ AMA Supercross Series comes to Orlando's Citrus Bowl tonight at 9:55, and it will be Stewart's first race since January.  "It's an injury that's supposed to take three months for the bone to heal. I did it in five weeks," said Stewart. "With a lot of therapy and a little bit of youth, too."  "We absolutely are speaking with top NASCAR teams, just exploring that potential," Evans said. "Are we talking about it? Yes."  To Stewart, that is an option down the road.  "I've gotten offers already to do that from a lot of sponsors, like Home Depot, Tony Stewart's team and stuff like that. A few teams," he said. "Right now I'm focusing on racing. All the NASCAR guys pretty much start from go-karts, I think. I've never heard of a NASCAR guy riding a motorcycle.  "Right now I make a good living (between $3 million and $5 million a year) doing this. I just want to do it and have fun at it, and I'm going to take it seriously and stuff. I think if I went to NASCAR right now, I'd be the guy in the best shape. I wouldn't need a water bottle. This is a physical thing; you can be a little bit overweight and still be good at NASCAR. You can be 30 years old and still be young in NASCAR." (More on Article In the Ledger) Quick Note: Stewart became the first African American to win a professional motorsports event.

March 10, 2005

Drivers Added to Roster of Drive for Diversity: The Drive for Diversity(SM) program announced today that NASCAR driver Michael Gallegos has been added to the program's 2005 roster, competing for Innovative Motorsports in the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series (NDWS) this season. Gallegos, a native of WheatRidge, Colo., will race the No. 48 Chevrolet Late Model Stock Car at Caraway Speedway in Asheboro, N.C. this year. In 2004, Gallegos had three solid showings in the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division competing in two events at Colorado National Speedway (Erie, Colo.) and one at Pikes Peak International Raceway (Fountain, Colo.).  "IMI is committed to its involvement with the Drive for Diversity(SM) initiative and is extremely excited to be working with Mike Gallegos," said George de Bidart, team owner of Innovative Motorsports. "He is a well rounded young man and has all the attributes necessary to make NASCAR, the sponsors and team all proud to be associated with him in the development stage of his career."  ( Yahoo!) In addition Williams Added: The Drive for Diversity(SM) program announced today that NASCAR driver Terri Williams has been added to the program's 2005 roster, competing in the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series (NDWS) this season for SCORE Motorsports, co-owned by NASCAR veteran Hermie Sadler and former NBA player Bryant Stith. Williams, who hails from Emporia, Va., will race NDWS events at South Boston Speedway in South Boston, Va. where she will pilot the No. 02 Chevrolet Late Model Stock Car. Williams was South Boston Speedway's Grand Stock Division Champion in 2004, posting three wins and eight top-five finishes in 10 races. "I am excited to be selected as a member of the Drive for Diversity team for 2005," said Williams. "I hope in some way this will help pave the way for other diverse drivers of the future." ( Hispanic Business)

Feb. 25, 2005

NASCAR's Drive For Diversity LA Youth: Nextel Communications Inc. (NASDAQ: NXTL) today announced a program that brings the thrill and excitement of NASCAR to minority youth in the Los Angeles area. During the weekend of the Auto Club 500 at California Speedway, Nextel, in partnership with Mauldin Brand Agency, is sponsoring the Nextel Youth Speed Rally as well as hosting 90 Los Angeles minority youth for a VIP trackside experience. The Nextel Youth Speed Rally, taking place on Saturday, Feb. 26, at the SPEEDZONE in the City of Industry, will be hosted by "100.3 The Beat" dee-jays Big Les, Spindarella and A-One, and will feature musical guests Bow Wow and 3on3, Wyclef Jean's latest endeavor. Morty Buckles, a member of NASCAR's inaugural class of the Drive for Diversity program and 24-year racing veteran will be on hand to sign autographs. Attendees will be able to visit The Nextel Racing Experience, Nextel's mobile fan exhibit that features two racing simulators and the latest in Nextel wireless technology. The event will begin at Noon and end at 4:00 pm.  (ThatsRacin)

Feb. 19, 2005

Diversity Students Honored: Before tonight's truck race, two students from Philadelphia's Urban Youth Racing School will be involved in a presentation as part of NASCAR's diversity program. Leon Simmons is a freshman at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte, studying engineering, and Jeremy Ortiz is an eighth-grader at the Ethan Allen School. The presentation is scheduled to air on the Speed Channel at 7:30 p.m.  Both will be honorary pit-crew members with Darrell Waltrip Motorsports; Simmons with David Reutimann's crew and Ortiz with Robert Huffman's team. (Philadelphia Daily News)

Feb. 16, 2005

Drive for Diversity: As the 2005 NASCAR season begins, the Drive for Diversity program returns for its second year and is once again a key component of NASCAR's on-going diversity initiative. The Drive for Diversity program, which is run by Charlotte, North Carolina-based Access Marketing & Communications, promotes diversity within the sport of NASCAR by providing opportunities for minority and female drivers (and crewmembers) in the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Corporate sponsors are paired with teams, which offer opportunities for participating drivers to compete in the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series, NASCAR's local racing division. In 2005, those drivers will include: Joe Henderson III,  Allison Duncan, and  Tommy Lane

Feb. 12, 2005

NASCAR honors Students: As part of NASCAR's celebration of Black History Month and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Diversity initiatives, two students from the Urban Youth Racing School will be presented with the UYRS/XBOX Points Championship Trophies during pre-race ceremonies prior to the Craftsman Truck Series race at Daytona on Feb. 18.  The presentation will be taped for broadcast by SPEED Channel as part of race coverage.  The students will be given a trophy and will serve as honorary crewmembers for Truck Series teams during the race.The Urban Youth Racing School is a unique program dedicated to giving inner-city youth more opportunity and a chance to enhance their life skills through motorsports. Boys and girls age 8 through 18 participate in 10-week Build A Dream program during which they learn the ins and outs of the motor sports industry. They then advance to the Team Development Program where they build, maintain and race mini-stock cars across the country from March to November. (NASCAR PR)

Feb. 3, 2005:

Drive For Diversity Forum Today: The Drive for Diversity program, recognized as NASCAR's leading on-track diversity initiative, will present "The Drive for Diversity Motorsports Forum," in conjunction with North Carolina A&T State University, on Thursday, February 3, 2005 at the university's New Classroom Building Auditorium. "The Drive for Diversity Motorsports Forum" is a symposium that will acquaint students with career paths in motorsports and bring them up to speed with many diversity efforts within motorsports, and more specifically, NASCAR. Representatives from the racing industry, including NASCAR, will be on hand to discuss both on-track and off-track initiatives. The first session, "Off-Track Initiatives: NASCAR's Driving Force," will discuss opportunities that include roles in event management, licensing, marketing, sponsorship, public relations, business, law, sales and related fields. The second session, "On-Track Initiatives: The Drive for Diversity," will include discussions about how aspiring drivers and crew members get involved in the sport. Additionally, information will be provided to those seeking opportunities in engineering, manufacturing systems, technology, team management/ownership, and related fields. Students from North Carolina A&T State University, along with other regional universities, have been invited to build awareness about the motorsports industry and to provide a setting for future motorsports professionals to network and practically apply their classroom curriculum toward a successful career.  For more information about North Carolina A&T State University, please visit www.ncat.edu.(Drive for Diversity PR)

Feb. 2, 2005:

NASCAR Set to Celebrate Black History Month: NASCAR has announced a month-long series of events to celebrate Black History Month.  "The events surrounding Black History Month are a part of our ongoing attempt to raise awareness in all communities about NASCAR's on-track and off-track opportunities throughout the sport," said NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France. "We are committed to making our sport -- on and off the race track -- look more like America."   The month kicks off with a Drive for Diversity forum to include students in the North Carolina A&T State University Motorsports program. The seminar will feature representatives from NASCAR, Drive for Diversity, the Joe Gibbs/Reggie White Driver Development Program and other industry experts answering questions from students about the opportunities in the motorsports industry.  (NASCAR)

January 25, 2005:

Gibbs to Keep White Diversity Program: Joe Gibbs Racing's Late Model diversity program will keep its Reggie White Motorsports name in honor of the defensive end who died unexpectedly last month. One of the cars will carry White's No. 92. "Reggie White was somebody who changed the people around him in a great way," Gibbs said. "He did chapel services for us [at the shop]. I wish I had a chance to coach him.