NASCAR's commitment to diversity
NASCAR is an American sport with a worldwide following and as such
we believe diversity is part of what makes our country great. Based
on this conviction, NASCAR is committed to promoting diversity within
its organization and throughout the motorsports industry. To achieve
this goal, we will work with diverse industry leaders to create
opportunities for everyone to be a part of the NASCAR community.
NASCAR DIVERSITY INITIATIVES
Drive for Diversity
The Drive for Diversity program, run by Access Marketing & Communications, seeks to develop minority and female drivers and crew members. The program supports drivers in the NASCAR Grand National Division and NASCAR Whelen All-American Series. These drivers participate in a scouting combine and earn the opportunity to compete with an established NASCAR team for a full season. Drive for Diversity also supports 12 crew member trainees each year. Upon successful completion of their training, crew member trainees have the opportunity to compete with a NASCAR Busch Series or NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series team. For more information, please visit www.drivefordiversity.com.
Supplier Diversity Program
NASCAR recently developed a supplier diversity and minority vendor program to foster a more diverse supplier base. The program invites ethnic and gender minority-owned businesses to be considered equally as subcontractors and suppliers for all goods and services purchased at NASCAR.
We are currently a member of the National Minority Supplier Development Council, and are working closely with Florida Minority Supplier Development Council to further develop the program.
NASCAR COLLEGE TOUR DELIVERED BY UPS
The “NASCAR College Tour” is a part of a long-term initiative aimed to raise awareness of NASCAR among ethnically-diverse college students about the NASCAR industry through on-campus events. The 2007 College Tour was presented by UPS. Other sponsor support includes Coca-Cola, Allstate and EA Sports.
The “NASCAR College Tour” consists of spring and fall visits to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s) and Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI’s) at events/programs that draw students and alumnae of these institutions together
Our focus is on “NASCAR-zing” an existing event while providing relevant information about the NASCAR industry and to cultivate and grow NASCAR’s fan base and identify potential employees
Scholarships
NASCAR provides funding for scholarships to Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Hispanic Serving Institutions. We provide funding for scholarships to these institutions to help nurture new talent and raise awareness of the industry’s efforts to increase diversity and attract the best minds in America. This includes the United Negro College Fund and Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities.
Partnership with the NASCAR
Technical Institute
Located in Mooresville, North Carolina, NTI is a partnership between NASCAR and Universal Technical Institute, Inc. that provides the training necessary to excel as an entry-level automotive service technician, with additional training provided for the skills needed to enter the motorsports industry (i.e. pit crew members). The school offers a number of diversity scholarship/internship programs.
Support of Civil Rights Organizations
In an effort to demonstrate NASCAR’s support of issues important to diverse communities, NASCAR participates in several Civil Rights conferences including the NAACP and National Council of La Raza. This participation also allows NASCAR an opportunity to share the organization’s commitment to diversity and raise awareness about its programs and the exciting career opportunities across the motorsports industry.
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