[vincesanity82]

According to Marcus Jadotte, NASCAR's managing director of public affairs and also its head of diversity efforts, NASCAR has sought to cultivate minority talent through its Drive for Diversity program, which provides racers financial support and an opportunity to compete in a season-long NASCAR-sanctioned series. One product of the program -- 17-year-old Marc Davis, who is from Silver Spring -- recently signed a developmental contract with Joe Gibbs Racing; he competes in the Grand National division, NASCAR's premier developmental series. Minorities also are targeted through the NASCAR-sponsored Urban Youth Racing School. Keenan and Jason enrolled in the school in Philadelphia in 1999; a second chapter opened last year in the District. So far, the 10-year-old program has included 1,300 participants, according to founder Anthony Martin. It aims to teach inner-city youths the intricacies of the motorsports industry, and though a marquee driver has yet to emerge from its ranks, graduates have gone on to NASCAR internships and jobs on racing teams, Martin said. "They're making inroads, but they need to accelerate the pace," said truck series driver Bill Lester, the only black driver currently racing in any of NASCAR's top professional divisions. "We've had the Drive for Diversity program for a number of years now, and haven't really had anyone graduate into NASCAR in any significant way." -- Washington Post

washingtonpost.com

[BringBackWilkesboro]

{Big Sigh} Keeping this short (yeah, right) and trying to avoid any unwanted problems, why is NASCAR expected to encourage minorities into racing through some sort of free ride program? If somebody from any other nationality is interested in NASCAR, than they are more than welcome, but why do people believe that they should not have to work for it? This diversity program is just a rush to become politically correct.

I would have loved to get into NASCAR in the 70s and 80s, but my family wasn't fortunate enough to support those kinds of aspirations, and I didn't have anyone waiting to just give me money and a race car.

[vincesanity82]

Originally Posted by BringBackWilkesboro

{Big Sigh} Keeping this short (yeah, right) and trying to avoid any unwanted problems, why is NASCAR expected to encourage minorities into racing through some sort of free ride program? If somebody from any other nationality is interested in NASCAR, than they are more than welcome, but why do people believe that they should not have to work for it? This diversity program is just a rush to become politically correct.

I would have loved to get into NASCAR in the 70s and 80s, but my family wasn't fortunate enough to support those kinds of aspirations, and I didn't have anyone waiting to just give me money and a race car.

Its a touchy subject but I agree with you, it should be a level playing field, if someone wants to race, let 'em, but no free rides should be given on account to race, religion, or whatever..just my thoughts on the matter..

[Racer Duck]

it's hard to attract the younger crowd when they don't see any "stars" they can relate to. let's face it, Lester isn't flashy, nor has he had much success. and a race car costs lots more than a ball and sneakers...

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by BringBackWilkesboro

{Big Sigh} Keeping this short (yeah, right) and trying to avoid any unwanted problems, why is NASCAR expected to encourage minorities into racing through some sort of free ride program? If somebody from any other nationality is interested in NASCAR, than they are more than welcome, but why do people believe that they should not have to work for it? This diversity program is just a rush to become politically correct.
I would have loved to get into NASCAR in the 70s and 80s, but my family wasn't fortunate enough to support those kinds of aspirations, and I didn't have anyone waiting to just give me money and a race car.

I can't believe that you made the above statement, Wilks! Do you have some demented masochistic dream of being chased down the road by throngs of PC and/or ACLU-types?

This is the 21st Century, my friend! People having to actually earn their way is passe! Think of it, Man! Today, if ANYONE isn't allowed to compete (actually they shouldn't "compete;" they should have outcome-based racing, where winning isn't important; it's how many points you can get over a period of time. Ooops! That's kinda what they have now, isn't it?)...I digress If someone isn't allowed to "compete, just think what it'll do to their precious self esteem! They'll be scared for life.

All that aside, I agree with everything you say.

[Quality88]

This stinks.... no one should get a free ride... I'm sick of this PC and give everyone opportunities because of race, color, or any other reason to get around havin to earn it.

[kcoruol]

I think NASCAR should be more diverse.

One way to do that would be to get women into nextel racing series. NASCAR could give them a 3 lap handicap, extra time for pit stops, let them start at the front of the line, give them automatic qualification for the race and not make their cars have to pass the rigorous pre-race inspections.

If we want to diverse NASCAR, it's only fair that we afford them advantages that were previously unavailable to them!

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by kcoruol

I think NASCAR should be more diverse.

One way to do that would be to get women into nextel racing series. NASCAR could give them a 3 lap handicap, extra time for pit stops, let them start at the front of the line, give them automatic qualification for the race and not make their cars have to pass the rigorous pre-race inspections.

If we want to diverse NASCAR, it's only fair that we afford them advantages that were previously unavailable to them!

He (I assume) said, tongue in cheek (I think?).

[LSC9901]

This most certainly is one of those touchy subjects, but that never stopped me before. Along with the rest of you I also feel that if you want to race then earn your spot on the roster.

If we actually had minor leagues that were not invaded by the "pros" then maybe there would be more opportunities for every group of humans.

[Nevadastars]

Maybe they should lower the hoops in the NBA by a few feet so dwarfs and midgets have a better chance of making the teams.

[Racer Duck]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

This most certainly is one of those touchy subjects, but that never stopped me before. Along with the rest of you I also feel that if you want to race then earn your spot on the roster.

If we actually had minor leagues that were not invaded by the "pros" then maybe there would be more opportunities for every group of humans.

don't care for "touchy" subjects .. "feely" is more my style...

(if I gotta go to the trailer, I might as well make it worth it!)

[Nevadastars]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

If we actually had minor leagues that were not invaded by the "pros" then maybe there would be more opportunities for every group of humans.

It all starts at the local levels. In my 10 years of traveling to different tracks all over Northern California, I VERY RARELY saw any non-whites, racing, pitting or even in the grandstands. It's not like these tracks were in all-white areas, they were close to very diverse cities. For whatever reason, the minority groups just do not seem to get into motorsports like caucasians do.
But leave it to the political agenda Jesse Jackson types to say we need minorities in racing..............even though they have every opportunity to start racing 1/4 midgets, go-karts or bombers just like the white guys.

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by Nevadastars

Maybe they should lower the hoops in the NBA by a few feet so dwarfs and midgets have a better chance of making the teams.

I was kind of hoping that they open some of those golf courses with the windmills for tournaments. I might have a chance then !!!

[wingkey1]

Ah yes. The Washington Post. The true beacon for truth, justice, and the American way. Located at the very originating heart(land) of motorsports, most specifically that which has become todays NASCAR, little printed (planted?) within the pages of this rag (Oops, sorry - viewspaper - Oh dang, sorry again) could be anything other than the hole (not a spelling error) truth and nothing but ---

Ya know, were it to be that the next time we attended a Cup event, say this Septmber for example, and we got to see the most fair, exciting, competitive, old style in a new car, take no prisoners, lap after lap event that had the whole place standing and stomping till the flag dropped on the closest finish in the history of the universe -- gotta wonder where this is going don't ya?

The winner (all the whiners are already in the garage) does a Polish victory lap holding the American flag out one window, the checkered flag out the other, a "3" flag in still another hand, still controlling the car while waving a bare hand to the crowd, whilst singing the National Anthem. Now ya gotta admit, even those prone towards a "rush to the exits" would be frozen in place at this point. The driver pulls into victory lane, whips off its' helmet - it's ET. When the true fans of race (as in motorsports race) initial shock wears off - perhaps a nano second - what's the first question on their mind?

What color is he/she/it? - No
What is he/she/its nationality? - No
Does he/she/it drink beer? - Maybe
Does he/she/it have a sibling we can get in a car next week? - Yes

Serious comment - the posts to this point on this topic are really refreshing. God bless the USA.

[kcoruol]

It may be the religious invocation and the national anthem that may be offensive to some minorities. I think if NASCAR does away with these 2 portions of the race they may attract more minorities of different religious persuations and different nationalities. Also a separate area could be afforded at the track so some people could wash their feet and pray. Also a ban on alcohol at NASCAR events would go a long way toward making those whose religion forbids alcohol feel more welcome. Bilingual announcers should be a must as well. Many Americans can only speak in Mexican so all announcements should be in English and Mexican. Well, these are just a few ideas I have of how NASCAR could diverse the sport. Oh yeah, one more thing, female bathrooms in the pit area to attract female pit crew members!