Magic is everywhere. Johnson will assist NASCAR with creating grassroots programs, such as Drive for Diversity, that identify and develop African American, Hispanic and women drivers and crew members and help develop marketing programs to increase the sport's visibility in urban communities. Magic to co-chair effort to diversify fans, drivers DAYTONA BEACH -- Basketball Hall of Famer Magic Johnson will serve as co-chairman to NASCAR's newly created Executive Steering Committee for Diversity, NASCAR announced Thursday. Johnson will be active in a number of areas related to diversifying NASCAR's fan base, participants and work force. "Over the last few years, NASCAR has been working with industry leaders to provide meaningful opportunities for everyone to be a part of the NASCAR community," NASCAR chief operating officer George Pyne said. "Today, we take another step in welcoming Magic Johnson to the NASCAR family. "Magic will help NASCAR achieve its goals to better educate new audiences and facilitate greater participation among the industry and communities of color." Best known for leading the Los Angeles Lakers to five NBA titles, Johnson has redefined himself as a successful businessman. The Magic Johnson brand has become one of the most expansive and successful business networks in the country. Johnson will assist NASCAR with creating grassroots programs, such as Drive for Diversity, that identify and develop African American, Hispanic and women drivers and crew members and help develop marketing programs to increase the sport's visibility in urban communities. "As a child, I spent countless hours attending race events with my father, and my strong interest in motorsports is still connected to those fond memories," Johnson said. "I plan to build on the existing initiatives and develop an urban marketing strategy. This will give real opportunities for all people to participate in the sport as fans, drivers, crew members and many other positions." The Drive for Diversity program seeks to identify and select minority and women drivers and crew members to compete in NASCAR-sanctioned races. Already, Drive for Diversity has five drivers and six crew members competing in the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Link
What the hell? What are they going to do next, hire Charles Barkley co-chair of the Westminster Dog Show?
NASCAR has been getting heat for a really long time about the overwhelming abundance of white guys. Hell, there's only been like 7 women in the history of the sport. There has been a Japanese racer who makes an appearance every once in a while, recently some Europeanl drivers have tried NASCAR, and I know of a few black guys who have driven in the lower circuits, but there hasn't ever been a successful minority or female driver to make a fullblown career in the big leagues, so to speak. A lot of it has to do with funding - big names get big money, and all the little guys have to do it on their own. So I'd like to see whether or not the underdogs get even with the big dogs, or if white guys do well because there's just something about white guys and driving. But then again, I'm also excited just because I've always wanted to race. It'd be badass for me to get a shot - even though I probably wouldn't be successful either.
NASCAR has gotten several diversity programs going. They are providing rides to several black and female drivers this year in the Dodge Weekly series. I think they are taking a huge step towards the future of the sport with this announcement. Also, please don't turn this into a NASCAR bashing thread, us racing fans have heard it all before.
they do. i watched the ESPN special on it, did you see that one? the one where they called NASCAR the last bastion of racism. there are only 2 minority racers in the league, and they're both minor leaguers that were specifically selected by Joe Gibbs. they are also trying to get Reggie White involved in it.
No. Participating teams are putting minorities in the cars for the season to give them an oppurtunity to prove themselves.
or maybe most black guys just find it boring driving in circles. and having the chance of crashing and dying.
What about us Asian Brothers? Why don't we get any run? Damn that ****. Do we have to be over seven feet tall?
