NASCAR is Pushing For Diversity Amongst Its Drivers!

Time to celebrate and support. NASCAR is pushing for diversity amongst its drivers. Diversity in a sport with one of the largest fan bases in the United States. The introduction of the Drive for Diversity Program will coincide with a BET reality show called “Changing Lanes”

Chairman of NASCAR Brian France Said about the Association: “In 2004, one of the first things that I wanted to do was set us on a course as a sport that put a priority on diversity. Frankly, that’s our future. That’s where our future fans are going to come from. That’s where, obviously, our future drivers, crew members… There are all kind of things that our diversity plan can accomplish. Notably, like I said, tracking talent in all forms of our industry. … Know that NASCAR is committed to everything that we can as an industry for all the right reasons. We’re never satisfied because we’ve got a long way to go. We’re going to get some talented men and women … to compete in NASCAR. They’re going to set new standards. Shows like this, projects like this that bring it to life and showcase it to a bigger audience will help us track more of these drivers and participants in NASCAR.’

NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity Class Consist of the Following Drivers.

Jessica Brunelli of Hayward, California,

This 17yr. Old Californian is living life with no regrets. Taking racing by storm. What an inspiration for all of us. Here are some of her racing achievements. 2005 Top-3 in three different IKF regional divisions, 2006 Regional champion in two IKF divisions, 2006 Became one of the youngest drivers with a Formula Dodge license, 2007 Earned a spot on Ron Sutton’s Winners Circle team,2007 Rookie of the Year in Skip Barber Western Series,2007 First career Modified start with seventh place finish,2007 Participated in Skip Barber driver shootout,2008 Graduated from Lyn St. James “Women in the Winners Circle.”,2008 6th in USAC Ford Focus points,2009 All American Speedway Rookie of the YearTake a look at an interview with the young racer in the video below. Visit her website. and find out more about this rising star! Oh and don’t forget to watch her on the BET reality series “Changing Lanes” http://www.jessicabrunelli.com/

Ryan Gifford of Winchester, Tennessee

This 20yr old is a force to be reckoned with! Here is a list of some of the things this young man has done on the NASCAR scene. 2008: 3 Wins 2007: Selected Dirt late model races. Storm Pay Dirt Late Model National Series 6 starts. 3 top 10’s…… 2 top 5’s 2006: Storm Pay Dirt Late Model National Series – 20 races, 11 top 10’s 7 tops 5’s 1 win! It is such an inspiration to see drivers of diverse backgrounds excelling in the field of their choice. Take a look at an interview with this exciting new NASCAR driver. And don’t forget to support his sponsor Shell Oil. A big congratulations to Ryan and Shell for helping drivers of all cultures achieve their dreams. Also visit his website and learn more about this Amazing New Driver. http://www.ryangifford.com/

Rebecca Kasten of Mequon, Wisconsin

We were unable to find video on Rebecca but that was not because of a lack of great accomplishments. Take a look at some of the things that this outstanding driver has done in her career. In 2009, raced in 12 ASA Late Model 6 top ten finishes, ASA Late Model Series and Big 8 Limited Late Model Series in 2008, Raced in the Slinger Speedway, also raced at Madison International Speedway and Tri‐County Speedway, Mid‐American Stock Car Series in 2007 racing in over 40 limited late model events,Won a limited late model race at Golden Sands Speedway in 2007. Visit her website to learn more about Rebecca. http://www.rebeccakasten.com/

Sergio Pena of Catharpin, Virginia

The kid is 16! He is a junior in High School and no stranger to driving. Take a look at this record: In his rookie season at Shenandoah Speedway Sergio had six wins  before moving to Motor Mile Speedway. 2008, competed in the Bill Scott Formula Car road racing series and won every race he entered. then Sergio finished second overall in the Formula TR Series standings in 2007; set seven track records and won 11 of 20 races. This is a rising star to keep your eye on. Take a look at this interview after he was a runner up in the Toyota NASCAR Toyota All Star Showdown. What a classy young man.

Darrell Wallace, Jr. of Mobile, Alabama

Darrell is no slouch! I have to ask how does a 16 yr old get so good? I don’t even think he is road legal, but when you start professionally racing at 9 you tend to stack up the wins. This young man is no exception. Darrell is a sure to watch on the new show “Changing Lanes”! Take a look at this laundry list of accomplishments. The future of racing is here and Darrell is one of its new talented faces. Competed in 23 late model events; scored three wins and 11 top fives. Youngest driver to win at the Franklin County Speedway in 2008. In his 2006 season he finished with 11 wins, 27 top fives and 34 top 10s in 38 races.

Mackena Bell Carson City, Nevada

• Competed with Position One Motorsports as a participant in the 2009 D4D program; finished eighth in the super late model standings at Toyota Speedway with one top three and 10 top‐10 finishes. Finished eighth in the 2008 All American Speedway with family-owned Mackena Bell Motorsports. Finished fourth in the Legends of the Pacific West Coast Tour standings in the 1250cc asphalt division in 2007.

To find out about the entire 2010 Class for NASCAR’s Drive for diversity class click HERE!

Leave a Reply

Name (required)

Mail (will not be published) (required)

Website

CAPTCHA Code