Goody's brand manager stands out from the crowd (cont'd)

As a black woman in NASCAR, Harris defines the word "minority." This is a sport that has seen one black driver in a national series in the past 20 years and just a few women drivers in that timeframe, as well. She said her race and gender have never been an issue -- and she doesn't see it becoming one.

"Everybody has just been so helpful, me being a novice to the sport of NASCAR," Harris said. "I see it as a family and everybody has welcomed me with open arms, always willing to answer a question or help me out, so I really appreciate that. I've never had any issues with race whatsoever. I think as NASCAR increases its appeal beyond the Southeast it just shows how open the community is for everyone.

"I think you see that the drivers of NASCAR are starting to be a little bit more diverse and in time I think it will be like any other sport where it will probably be more diverse. I think the fan base is very diverse. You see people of all backgrounds and nationalities at the track enjoying the race."

As a woman who works on the business side of the sport, Harris sees the efforts NASCAR is making to market the sport to those who are less familiar with it and she believes the efforts will pay off in the long run.

"In my short time in racing, I have seen strides made in the marketing of NASCAR to minorities," Harris said. "In some of the race markets, there have been effective social events and co-promotions with Hip-Hop and Latin radio stations that have exposed NASCAR and its personalities to potentially new fans.

"If you continue to expose more people to the sport and eventually get them to a race, most will become fans. I am living proof that once you experience NASCAR racing -- it's easy to get hooked."

NASCAR's director of business operations, Andrew Giangola, confirmed diversity is a priority. He also credits Harris with what she has accomplished in such a short time in the sport.

"Diversity is important in NASCAR, just as it is in any other business or industry in the world," Giangola said. "You always want the best talent, and talent knows no color.

"Goody's has been a big part of NASCAR for a long time -- supporting drivers, teams and tracks. Dedicated professionals like Stacey Harris are an important part of the company's enduring success and strong presence in the sport."

One of the many perks Harris gets with her career is going to the track about 10 times a year. She admits it's not as many as those attended by die-hard fans, but there's just something about being there in person.

"Because of the job and working, I do go to a handful of races and I really look forward to them and enjoy them," Harris said. "I look forward to it every time I go.

"My best experience is the start of the race, with the flyover. I'm like a kid in a candy store; I think that is just the coolest way to start a race. It's very patriotic, it's very emotional, it's high-energy, power-charged. That to me is just synonymous with the sport and it's really cool."

Harris loves working for Goody's and being involved in NASCAR. You can hear the smile on her face as she describes her career. And although she is a minority now, she doesn't see it staying that way for very long.

"Being an African-American woman in the sport, I see tremendous opportunity," she said, "not only for myself but for the fans. [NASCAR] is really a great organization.

"From here on out, I will be a NASCAR follower. It is truly addictive. Once you get the bug, I think you have the bug for life."