Diversity still a struggle for NASCAR despite programs (cont'd)

Jadotte said the sanctioning body creates opportunity and long term success, not one-hit wonders and short-term buzz.

"Again, we're focused on giving these drivers every opportunity to develop their talent and continue to do that," Jadotte said. "The success of the drivers, like all other drivers, is not determined by NASCAR -- it's determined by their having the time to develop and compete successfully on the track like every other driver."

The sport will not push a minority into a Cup ride before the driver is ready just for the sake of appearing diverse and minority friendly, he said.

"It's not good for the driver or the sport," Jadotte added.

Hart echoed those sentiments. In fact, he said RCR doesn't have a diversity program per se.

"Diversity can have a stigma attached to it," he said. "There's enough pressure to perform and we don't want any added pressure. It's not fair."

When hiring drivers, Hart said two things matter: performance on the track and if the team can build a program and sponsorship around the driver.

Jadotte said, no matter the situation, there is a process to follow.

He sites paths taken by diversity drivers Davis and Jesus Hernandez as successful progressions.

"They are getting support from D-for-D and have gone up the ladder system. That is the way it works," Jadotte said. "It's better for the system to have sustained and long term success."

Hernandez is a poster child for NASCAR's diversity initiative and made a recent appearance for the sport's Urban Youth Racing School and has been a participant of the Drive for Diversity program three years running.

Finishing 14th in NASCAR's 2007 Grand National Division, Busch East Series; Hernandez returned to South Boston Speedway again looking for opportunities as his job as a development driver at Ginn Racing became defunct when the team was bought out by DEI.

Hernandez recently became a development driver for DEI but still tried out for the 2008 Drive for Diversity class. The membership comes with perks: NASCAR support and money.

However the program was not set up for frequent flyers; it's not a destination, Jadotte said.

"We hope they go as far as their talent will take them and set a limit on the overall number of seasons drivers can participate in the program," he said. "Not only will it encourage them to make best of the opportunity, but it will allow others a chance to show their talent."

So while NASCAR on the exterior remains arguably the whitest sport in the country, happenings are taking place behind the scenes that could lead to change. Change that Jadotte hopes will help NASCAR better reflect the fan base and the diverse U.S. population.

On top of the Drive for Diversity program, NASCAR touts the College Tour which visits historically black colleges and universities, the Diversity Internship program and the Urban Youth Racing School.

Will we see a driver of color in the Sprint Cup Series next season?

No, nor will we see a female, but Jadotte is optimistic it will happen eventually.

"I can tell you that developing a professional athlete takes time and NASCAR is no exception," he said. "Clearly, we had a group of talented drivers who put on a great show at the South Boston Speedway and NASCAR is proud to support the 2007 Drive for Diversity Combine."