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NASCAR's Drive for Diversity program and Rev racing have enormously impacted the world of auto racing by introducing more women and minorities to the sport than ever before. This initiative is helping to reshape the perception of diversity in racing, not only on the driver level but across all facets of the industry, from management and crew members to tracks and teams. The program gives individuals from diverse backgrounds a chance to pursue their passion and find a viable career in racing.
ABOUT REV RACING
Rev(Revolution) Racing is a premier NASCAR-affiliated motorsports team owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Steve Clauson. Located in Mooresville, North Carolina, Rev Racing competes in the K&N Pro Series East, the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series, and the ARCA Racing Series. With a talented lineup of drivers and first-class team personnel, Rev Racing is committed to delivering success on and off the track.
(Rev)Revolution Racing is committed to providing its drivers with the resources, training, and experience necessary to compete at the highest level of NASCAR. Through its partnership with KBM, drivers have access to the best in technology, engineering, and crew to compete for championships. Rev Racing drivers will also have access to top-flight facilities, including KBM's state-of-the-art 140,000-square-foot shop in Mooresville, North Carolina.
In addition to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, Rev Racing will continue to compete in the NASCAR-sanctioned ARCA Menards Series, NASCAR Whelen All-American Series, NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, and NASCAR Pinty's Series. Rev Racing will also continue to support its Drive for Diversity Program, providing opportunities for female and minority drivers, pit crew members, and industry professionals. Revolution Racing is committed to expanding into the National Series in 2023 and providing opportunities for female and minority drivers, pit crew members, and industry professionals for many years to come.
ABOUT "THE DRIVE FOR DIVERSITY PROGRAM"
NASCAR Drive for Diversity supports its drivers by providing them with the resources and tools needed to reach success in the three NASCAR national series. This includes a team of executives, athletic trainers, crew chiefs, and mentors who offer guidance and support to the drivers, enabling them to hone their skills and increase their chances of reaching their goals.
In 2004, NASCAR launched the Drive for Diversity Program in an effort to increase diversity within the sport. While the initiative had seen limited success in the past, that all changed when Max Siegel took over the program. NASCAR appointed him to manage its Drive for Diversity Program, and he is the former president of Dale Earnhardt, Inc., making him the first black president of a major team.
Under his leadership, the program has made great strides in training and retaining diverse NASCAR drivers, leading to an increase in their presence in NASCAR's top series, including the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR XFINITY Series, and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Siegel's work with the program has been instrumental in transforming the landscape of NASCAR for the better.
Since its launch in 2004, the Drive for Diversity Driver Program has successfully offered minority and female drivers meaningful career opportunities. Rev Races have reached 26 wins, 119 top 5s, and 232 top 10 finishes in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series/ARCA Menards Series, with drivers ending up in the top 10 in points every season. The program has two Championship titles in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East/ARCA Menards Series, with Kyle Larson winning in 2012 and Nick Sanchez claiming the title in 2022.
In 2019, Max Siegel's Revolution Races program made history in the NASCAR Cup Series. With the drop of the green flag, 10% of the field was comprised of Rev Racing drivers. Additionally, 75 pit crew members from NASCAR's Drive for Diversity Pit Crew Development Program were on the scene, representing Rev Racing on the pit road.
The NASCAR'S Drive for Diversity Driver Development Program
The NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Development Program includes a comprehensive driver development program that provides mentorship, coaching, competition, and financial support to female and diverse drivers in the sport of NASCAR. The program also offers marketing and public relations opportunities and the potential to be selected for the NASCAR Elite Driver Development Program. The program seeks to increase diversity among NASCAR drivers and provide a platform for developing young, talented drivers of all backgrounds.
Through its program, drivers are connected with a team of experienced executives, athletic trainers, crew chiefs, and mentors to help them hone their racing skills and advance their careers. By developing their professional skills and providing support, NASCAR Drive for Diversity works to increase the likelihood of its drivers reaching one of the three NASCAR national series.
The NASCAR Drive for Diversity Youth Combine and Driver Combine involves an application process and a voting committee determining who is chosen to attend.
The NASCAR Drive for Diversity Pit Crew Development Program
The NASCAR Drive For Diversity Pit Crew Development Program is a comprehensive program designed to help talented individuals gain the skills and experience necessary to become successful members of a NASCAR pit crew. The program includes instruction on pit crew fundamental skills, fitness and nutrition guidance, and media training. The program also provides a unique opportunity for participants to receive on-track pit crew experience during select NASCAR national touring series events.
The program aims to cultivate the fundamentals, discipline, and self-assurance necessary to be a premier NASCAR pit crew member. Weekly in-person, hands-on practice and instruction of pit crew roles such as tire changers, tire carriers, fuelers, and jackmen are provided, as well as weight training, agility, and footwork exercises. The program also seeks to identify, coach, train, and develop minority athletes with the requisite abilities and mindset to succeed in this field.
NASCAR and Rev Racing partner to scout potential athletes from universities and colleges for their Pit Crew Program. Those who make a positive impression at the preliminary combines are invited to the national combine in May. Those who are successful in the national combine can join the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Pit Crew Development Program, a six-month program.
Youth Development Plan
A NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Development team, offers a youth racing initiative for drivers aged 12-17. Selected drivers will join the team roster and compete in events such as the Summer Shootout at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The evaluation process for selection includes recommendations, historical success, and overall driving performance over a several-month period.
ELIGIBILITY FOR THE DRIVE FOR DIVERSITY PROGRAM
In order to be eligible for the Drive for Diversity program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
• Be a minority (defined as African-American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian or Native American) or a female.
• Be at least 16 years of age.
• Possess a valid driver's license and be able to meet all licensing requirements in the applicable sanctioning body.
• Meet all other requirements established by the applicable sanctioning body and/or the Drive for Diversity program.
• Submit all required application materials, including a completed application form and a resume of racing experience.
• Attend the annual Drive for Diversity Combine, which includes interviews and on-track evaluations.
• Be selected by the Drive for Diversity selection panel.
CONCLUSION
Eight drivers have been named to this year's NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Development Program.
To quote Max Siegel, "We look forward to the season ahead and developing this amazing class of incoming drivers. This year's class represents a talented pipeline of NASCAR's future stars. Our entire Rev Racing organization is committed to being a championship-contending team and one of the premier development programs in NASCAR."
Rev Racing has selected Lavar Scott, Andrés Pérez de Lara, Jaiden Reyna, and Justin Campbell to return to the program in 2023. In addition, Paige Rogers, Sebastián López Falcón, Caleb Johnson, and Nathan Lyons will join the program as debutants.
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