HAMPTON, Ga. –There was nothing but sunshine and clear blue skies at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Feb. 24, and being at the NASCAR Xfinity Series Rinnai 250 that day allowed me to become a kid all over again just for a few hours.

It was my first time at a NASCAR race, and initially, I was nervous that I would regret coming. I knew going from a majority black campus at Morehouse College to the majority white environment of NASCAR would be a total culture shock. However, when I walked down pit road and saw the people shuffling around with engines roaring and cars zooming in and out of garage doors, all of those preconceived notions went away.

Thanks to the NASCAR Multicultural Development department, our experience as Morehouse College journalism students was tailored to highlight the different black figures who are essential to the races. They did an outstanding job of dispelling the myth that the only black people at NASCAR races are the people who direct you to your parking spot.

We witnessed several black pit crew members, including Brehanna Daniels, the first African-American female to go over the wall in a NASCAR national series race, and a product of the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Pit Crew Development Program. Drive for Diversity pit crew member Dion “Rocko Slaw” Williams candidly told our tour group “Anybody you see who’s black is probably with us.”

It was refreshing to see young black men and women being such a vital part of the race. Without the pit crew, the race would be a disaster.

“Even if you don’t find a passion in NASCAR today, you’ll find an experience.”

After the national anthem, Drive for Diversity coach Phil Horton talked to us about the exercise that drivers have to do. Much like other athletes, NASCAR drivers do cardio and core strengthening exercises that help them better regulate their heart rates as they zoom at speeds up to 190 mph around the track.

“They’re not riding around the track with their hearts beating fast,” Horton said. “It’s like they’re sitting at home in a recliner.”

Thanks to @Morehouse Journalism and Sports Program students for joining us @amsupdates for the #Rinnai250 today! #NASCARDiversity pic.twitter.com/DWwxtS31Uk

— NASCAR Drive for Diversity (@NASCARDiversity) February 24, 2018

To me, NASCAR seems like a hub for new beginnings for African-Americans. Every black person we met came to NASCAR from other careers. Horton was an accomplished athletic trainer with the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks, Williams was a professional football player with the Minnesota Vikings, and even the Vice President and Chief Security Officer at NASCAR, Christopher Davis, transitioned from professional football to the FBI and now to NASCAR.

Before the race Davis told our group this: “Even if you don’t find a passion in NASCAR today, you’ll find an experience.”

He couldn’t have been any more right. Attending a NASCAR race was one of the best experiences that I’ve had so far in my three years here in Atlanta.

Emmanuel Johnson is a Morehouse College junior Sociology major/Journalism and Sports minor from Durham, N.C.

Dion “Rocko” Williams has made a name for himself on pit road for more than 13 years. Now he is making a name for himself on air.

Williams made his debut as co-host of Motor Racing Network’s Crew Call last week, using his experience in the sport to help provide insight into the lives of top tier pit crew members both on and off the track.

Any butterflies that were present during the first few seconds of his first live show on MRN were gone by the first commercial break, he said, much like the nerves felt during each race until the first pit stop is out of the way.

The weekly show with co-host Sammi Jo Francis is just the latest endeavor in motorsports for Williams, whose pit crew career has included stints with Chip Ganassi Racing, Richard Petty Racing and Hendrick Motorsports. His success in the sport, including 16 Cup series wins, created a desire in Williams to be involved in the sport long term.

“I really love what I do,” Williams said. “I really love the sport and you can really see that in the way that I talk about it. That’s ultimately what led me to what I’m doing now in terms of broadcasting.”

While Williams’ athletic background as a collegiate and professional football player helped lay the foundation for his pit crew career, his past has also prepared him for his newest role.

Williams graduated from Wake Forest University, majoring in communications, and later attended Connecticut School of Broadcasting to keep up-to-date with new technology and trends in the field.

Over the years he has taken on speaking engagements, emcee roles and even appeared on Under Cover Boss, but Williams hopes this is just the beginning. He has ambitions of one day calling races and working on the competition side of things.

Between shows Williams can still be found on pit road, working as a contracted pit crewman and serving as a mentor for young pit crew members through the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Pit Crew Development Program.

“It’s necessary for me,” Williams said. “It keeps me relevant and engaged with rule changes and new strategies, new techniques and what’s going on with the sport, as it’s constantly changing.”

Coming up at NOON ET it’s the Season Debut of MRN Crew Call presented by @HerculesTires with our new hosts @SammiOnAir and @DionRocko! Watch on https://t.co/5I6uCnfmiN or Facebook Live #AskMRN pic.twitter.com/Vecbyw1Ljr

— Motor Racing Network (@MRNRadio) February 21, 2018

Williams made history as the first African-American to go over the wall for Hendrick Motorsports. He has seen the growth of NASCAR’s diversity initiatives over the years and notes the visible transformation both on and off the track. He hopes his success will serve as an example of the opportunity for longevity and transition within the sport.

“The focus has really turned to showing the guys that once they are in (NASCAR) there are so many other opportunities in the sport for minorities to focus on besides the athletic side of it,” Williams said. “There are opportunities within the sport to make a great career and living on so many different levels besides just pitting a race car. That’s the main thing that motivates me.”

Tune into Crew Call Wednesday at 12 p.m. ET on MRN.

NASCAR Drive for Diversity Awards Honor Champions of Diversity

11th Annual Awards Upholds Industry Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – As spectators and fans travel near and far to witness first-class racing, the eleventh annual NASCAR Drive for Diversity Awards will further fuel the anticipation of events.

Industry leaders and personnel will gather Thursday morning at Daytona International Speedway to honor pioneers of diversity.

“The NASCAR Drive for Diversity Awards offer an outstanding platform to recognize individuals and organizations whose significant contributions drive our efforts of inclusion and strengthen the future of our sport,” said NASCAR Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Brian France. “Our commitment to diversity is part of our core values, and it’s our sincere pleasure to recognize this year’s outstanding group of winners for their efforts and achievements.”

The NASCAR Drive Diversity Awards is the leading means to identify accomplishments in diversity and inclusion throughout the motorsports industry. The awards highlight exceptional accomplishments by drivers, motorsports professionals, industry facilities and organizations, as well as graduates of highly competitive programs, NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Development and Pit Crew Development and the NASCAR Diversity Internship Program (NDIP).

Past notable awardees include Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series drivers and NASCAR Drive for Diversity graduates Kyle Larson, Daniel Suárez and Darrell “Bubba” Wallace Jr.

The program will air live on FansChoice.tv at 10 a.m. ET.

2018 NASCAR Drive for Diversity Award recipients:

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Driver Joey Logano will receive the National Series Driver Award, given to a NASCAR national series driver who demonstrates leadership both on and off the racetrack while making contributions to the advancement of the sport.

NASCAR K&N Pro Series driver Jesse Iwuji will be presented with the NASCAR Diverse Driver Award, awarded to a minority or female NASCAR development driver that exemplifies outstanding performance both on and off the race track in encouraging awareness and interaction with NASCAR and motorsports.

PEAK will be honored with the NASCAR Partner Award, presented to a company that demonstrates a commitment to NASCAR diversity and inclusion goals through its program support and engagement with NASCAR.

Pit crew member Kevin Richardson will receive the NASCAR Diverse Crew Member Award, given to a minority or woman crew member that inspires awareness of NASCAR through competitive performance and outreach activities.

Isabella Robusto, a member of the 2018 NASCAR Drive for Diversity driver class, is to receive the NASCAR Young Racer Award. The award highlights a minority or female youth between the ages of 8- 15 years old that has partaken in some form of competitive racing and has overcome adversity in pursuit of his or her dream of participating in the motorsports industry.

Sam Belnavis will be presented with the NASCAR Industry Ambassador Award. The award honors a representative who displays a personal effort to incorporate multicultural initiatives as part of his/her job.

Precious Makuyana and Jorge Jones will be presented with the NASCAR Diversity Intern Award. The award is given to students who have exhibited outstanding performance and leadership skills in academics as well as during their internship in the NASCAR Diversity Internship.

The Jason Taylor Foundation will be awarded the NASCAR Institution Award. This award spotlights the organization that demonstrates a commitment to NASCAR diversity goals through their program support and engagement.

The NASCAR Track Award will go to Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The award is given to the track that demonstrates support of programming to engage with a multicultural fan base and identifies and activates programming with staff support and track assets.

Roush Fenway Racing will receive the NASCAR Team Award, highlighting the team that engages drivers, OEMs, and sponsors to effectively reach fans on and off the track in support of NASCAR’s diversity and inclusion goals.

The 2018 NASCAR season kicks off at the Daytona International Speedway with the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series with the NextEra Energy Resources 250 on Friday, February 16, followed by the debut of the NASCAR Xfinity Series with the POWERSHARES QQQ 300 on Saturday. The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, Daytona 500 will air on FOX, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. ET.

16-Year-Old Will Run Full West Schedule, Select East Events

RELATED: Kraus To Drive No. 16 For BMR

ROSEVILLE, Calif. – Bill McAnally Racing announced today that Hailie Deegan will be joining BMR as she prepares to tackle the ranks of the NASCAR K&N Pro Series in 2018, driving the No. 19 Mobil 1 / NAPA Power Premium Plus Toyota Camry.

Deegan, the daughter of legendary X-Games athlete Brian Deegan, comes to the NASCAR K&N Pro Series with a resume that includes a background in off-road racing, as well as super late model competition.

The 16-year-old from Temecula, California will challenge for the Rookie of the Year Award and overall title as she runs the full 15-race schedule in the West division of the NASCAR K&N Pro Series, while also racing in select events in the East division.

“We’re very pleased to announce that Hailie will make her debut in the NASCAR K&N Series driving for Bill McAnally Racing,” said BMR President Bill McAnally. “She’s a very talented driver, who brings with her a lot of energy and excitement.

“We look forward to being a big part of Hailie’s development as she takes this next step in her racing career,” McAnally said. “We anticipate great things ahead for everybody, including our partners and fans.”

She has already attracted a large following on social media. And this past season, she was named to the 2017-18 class of the NASCAR Next program, which spotlights NASCAR’s rising stars.

“I’m really excited,” Deegan said of joining BMR. “This is the best team and equipment in the series. BMR has been great to work with. I look forward to racing at a high level on the East and West coasts with the top team. We are ready to put in the work to continue being a serious competitor.”

Deegan has completed a couple of test sessions in a NASCAR K&N Pro Series car with BMR and is ready to make her debut in NASCAR’s top developmental series.

“It will be exciting to be part of the K&N Series,” she said. “It’s been a great building ground for a lot of successful NASCAR drivers. It’s a big step.”

Brian Deegan talked about the challenge his daughter faces in competing at the NASCAR K&N Pro Series level.

“We are looking forward to Hailie racing for such a top championship team as BMR,” he said. “We know the effort it takes to be a serious contender in the series and she is prepared to put in the work to run up front. The road won’t be easy, as winning never is; but she’s ready to take on the challenge and looks forward to it.”

Deegan began competing in off-road racing at the age of 8. She became the first female to win a race and a championship in the Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series. She was the J2 Champion in 2013, the Modified Kart Regional Champion in 2015, the Modified Kart National Champion in 2016, as well as the Driver of the Year in 2016. In 2017, she became the first female in the Pro Lite division of the Lucas Oil Off-Road Series to have multiple podium finishes in her rookie year.

Deegan also competed this past season in a late model division at Madera Speedway in central California, with multiple top-3 finishes. She also made two starts this past season in the CARS Super Late Model Tour.

Deegan participated in the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Combine in 2016 and was awarded the 2017 NASCAR Diversity Young Racer award. She is a member of Toyota’s driver development program.

BMR captured its third straight title in 2017 and eighth K&N West championship overall – a record for the series and the NASCAR Regional Touring level.

The 2018 NASCAR Diversity Internship Program is now accepting applications through January 12, 2018. Students will gain first-hand experience within the motorsports industry through a 10-week paid summer internship.

The NASCAR Diversity Internship Program diversifies and enriches the employee base across the motorsports industry. In its 18^th year, the program has reached more than 350 students and 70 partners creating a robust internship experience that include a 3-day orientation, weekly lunch and learns and networking opportunities. Many students obtain full-time employment upon competition of the program.

Requirements
WHO’S ELIGIBLE?
At the time of application, all candidates must:

• be multicultural  students, including but not limited to African American, Asian, Latino/Hispanic, Native American, or Pacific Islander descent;
  • be currently enrolled in, or be considered a recent graduate of an undergraduate or graduate degree program who has graduated within the last semester;
  • be a U.S. citizen or eligible to work in the U.S.;
  • be at least in their sophomore year of college;
  • have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

*Temporary visas will not be issued for this internship program.

HOW TO APPLY:
www.nascar.com/careers

APPLICATION INFO:
Applications for 2018 are now open and close January 12, 2018.

Students Relish Opportunity to Cover NASCAR Championships

Students from Florida Memorial Univeristy attended the NASCAR Xfinity Series and Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Championships in Homestead, Fla., on November 18 and 19. The National Association of Black Journalists student chapter had the opportunity to cover Ford Championship Weekend and interact with drivers, pit crew members and fans.

Six Drivers Tabbed to Compete For Rev Racing Next Season

Official Release
November 7, 2017 – 2:10pm

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The youngest NASCAR PEAK Mexico Series champion. The youngest driver to win four Trans-Am championships. And the 2016 Wendell Scott Trailblazer Award winner.

As evidenced by the six drivers announced as part of the 2018 NASCAR Drive for Diversity Development Team, the roster for next year is stacked with emerging young talent ready to make their mark in the sport. The drivers represent a cross-section of backgrounds – both in terms of heritage and driving disciplines – and all share a common goal: To reach the highest levels of NASCAR.

“What we’re seeing with these six drivers is a group of very talented racers who have shown the ability on and off the track to excel at the next level,” said Jim Cassidy, NASCAR senior vice president of racing operations. “With an increased focus on seat time and competition among the drivers, we’re looking forward to watching them perform next season.”

“We are thrilled with the level of talent that applied for the program, were invited to the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Combine and, ultimately, the six who were selected to drive for Rev Racing in 2018,” said Max Siegel, CEO of Rev Racing. “As we’ve seen the program evolve over the years and produce wins and champions, and help elevate drivers such as Daniel Suárez, Kyle Larson and Darrell Wallace Jr. to the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, these drivers have the ability and potential to carry that legacy forward.”

The 2018 NASCAR Drive for Diversity roster includes a pair of drivers who have been part of the NASCAR Next program, an industry initiative designed to spotlight the sport’s rising stars.

The new class features the following drivers:

• Chase Cabre, 20, Tampa, Florida. Cabre finished sixth in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East championship standings and was runner-up for Sunoco Rookie of the Year. He won the 21 Means 21 Pole Award twice and recorded four top-five finishes. He will return to compete in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and will also race a Late Model in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series.

• Ernie Francis Jr., 19, Dania, Florida. Francis has already locked up his fourth Trans Am Series championship, becoming the youngest driver in series history to do so. He has 32 Trans Am Series wins – the most in series history – and 15 Pirelli World Challenge victories. Francis will be a development driver with Rev Racing, running road-course events in the K&N Pro Series East and select Late Model events, as well as testing, as he transitions to oval-track racing.

• Rubén García Jr., 21, Mexico City, Mexico. García will return to Rev Racing for his third season. The 2015 NASCAR PEAK Mexico Series champion finished fifth in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East this year and is third in the PEAK Mexico Series standings with one race remaining. The NASCAR Next graduate will join Cabre in the K&N Pro East in addition to racing in the Late Model.

• Nick Sanchez, 16, Homestead, Florida. Sanchez finished fifth in the 10-race Bojangles Summer Shootout at Charlotte Motor Speedway with Rev Racing’s Legends Car program last year, and will move up to the team’s full-time Late Model in 2018. Sanchez had a win among five podium finishes in the Summer Shootout.

• Ryan Vargas, 17, La Mirada, California. Vargas won the Wendell Scott Trailblazer Award in 2016 as the highest finishing multicultural or female driver in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Division I. He was runner-up for NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Josten’s Rookie of the Year for California in 2016 while racing at Irwindale and Bakersfield’s Kern County Raceway Park and the Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. This season, he scored a pair of wins this year to finish third in the state standings and 16th in the national standings. Vargas will drive in the third full-time K&N Pro Series East car and also race in the Late Model.

• Isabella Robusto, 13, Fort Mill, South Carolina. Robusto will anchor Rev Racing’s Youth Driver Program as she returns to the team to drive in the Legends car. Robusto will be one of four youth development drivers, with the remaining three to be announced at a later date. She was third overall at the Bandolero Winter Nationals and was the South Carolina Legends Young Lions champion in 2016 and was third overall in points in the Bojangles Summer Shootout Series in 2015.

NASCAR Drive for Diversity aligns drivers with a team of executives, athletic directors, crew chiefs and mentors tasked with helping them achieve career successes, and thus improving their goal of reaching one of the three NASCAR national series.

The 2017 NASCAR season was another banner year for NASCAR Drive for Diversity alumni, as three graduates made a major impact at the sport’s highest level.

Kyle Larson earned four wins to establish his No. 42 Chip Ganassi Racing team as a force in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. A contender for Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors, Daniel Suárez this year became the first Mexican-born driver to compete full-time in the sport’s premier series, and in February raced in his first DAYTONA 500. Last month, Darrell Wallace Jr. was announced as the new driver of Richard Petty Motorsports’ iconic No. 43 Ford for the 2018 season.

Four Students Awarded $20,000 in Total Scholarships; Treated to VIP Race Experience at the Texas Motor Speedway

Daytona, Beach, Fla. – Four students were recognized for their accomplishment in technology and innovation as NASCAR and Chevrolet announced the winners of the third annual NASCAR Chevrolet Diversity Scholarship Contest Sunday at Texas Motor Speedway.

Four undergraduate students from across the country were awarded a total of $20,000 in scholarships and treated to a VIP experience at Sunday’s Monster Energy NASCAR Sprint Cup race, the AAA Texas 500. The winners were recognized in a press conference prior to the race.

The contest challenged students to identify a technology or innovation within NASCAR, then explain how Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) professionals came to its design in 90-second videos. Video submissions were judged on technical accuracy, creativity and production quality.

Cindy Yen, a sophomore at the University of Southern California, from Santa Monica, California, earned first place and a $10,000 scholarship.

University of Notre Dame freshman Weston Dell, from Frankfort, Illinois, won $5,000. University of Houston student Nima Desai from Houston, Texas, and Broward College freshman Nicole Forero, from Coral Springs, Florida, were awarded third and fourth place, respectively, earning $2,500 scholarships each.

“NASCAR is proud to work with Chevrolet and continue our longstanding commitment to STEM education by recognizing these tremendous students,” said Jim Cassidy, NASCAR senior vice president of racing operations. “These four students were recognized from an outstanding pool of candidates, and it’s a testament to the continued engagement of students in the pursuit of science and technology careers in our sport.”

“It’s an exciting time in the STEM field with the advancement of technology,” said Ken Barrett, chief diversity officer for General Motors. “At GM, we celebrate unique perspectives propelled by diversity and champion innovative ideas; Ideas that change the automotive industry and the world.”

Before taking in the AAA Texas 500, the students had the chance to meet with 2017 NASCAR playoff drivers Jamie McMurray of Chip Ganassi Racing and Ryan Newman with Richard Childress Racing. Newman graduated from Purdue University with an engineering degree. The VIP experience also included pace car rides, garage and pit road tour, and a meet-and-greet with Chevrolet’s Monster Energy NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Program Manager Alba Colon.

About NASCAR

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc. (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States. NASCAR consists of three national series (Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series™, NASCAR XFINITY Series™, and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series™), four regional series, one local grassroots series and three international series. The International Motor Sports Association™ (IMSA®) governs the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship™, the premier U.S. sports car series. Based in Daytona Beach, Fla., with offices in eight cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races in more than 30 U.S. states, Canada, Mexico and Europe. For more information visit http://www.NASCAR.com and http://www.IMSA.com, and follow NASCAR on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat (‘NASCAR’).

About Chevrolet

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, doing business in more than 115 countries and selling more than 4.0 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

Journalists from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill attended the NASCAR Xfinity Series Drive for the Cure 300 in Charlotte, N. C., on October 7. The Carolina Association of Black Journalists student chapter had the opportunity to interact with race officials, drivers, pit crew members and executives during their first NASCAR race experience.