2024 Drive for Diversity Roster: NASCAR and Rev Racing have unveiled the lineup for the 2024 NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Development Program after a rigorous evaluation process during the Advance Auto Parts Drive for Diversity Combine held in Concord, N.C., and Florence, S.C. The selected drivers comprise a mix of returning talents and promising newcomers, showcasing the program’s dedication to nurturing diverse racing talent.
Notable returnees include Andrés Pérez de Lara, Lavar Scott, Nathan Lyons, Regina Sirvent, and Eloy Sebastián López Falcón, who are set to continue their journey with the program. Joining them are fresh faces, including Lanie Buice, TJ DeCaire, Cassidy Keitt, and LaQuan McCoy Jr., making their debut in the 2024 season.
Brandon Thompson, NASCAR’s Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion, expressed excitement about the forthcoming season, marking the 20th anniversary of the Drive for Diversity program. “We’re thrilled to welcome this exceptionally talented group of drivers,” Thompson remarked, confident that their inclusion would further enrich the racing talent pool.
Established in 2004, the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Development Program aims to train and cultivate drivers from diverse backgrounds both on and off the track. Spearheaded by Rev Racing, the program operates in a unique academy-style environment in Concord, N.C., under the ownership of Max and Jennifer Siegel.
Max Siegel, sharing his enthusiasm about the talent showcased during the recent Combine, stated, “We eagerly anticipate the upcoming season and the growth of this group of drivers, solidifying NASCAR’s future stars. Our commitment to excellence remains steadfast as we continue to champion the development of these exceptional talents.”
The program’s history boasts several successful graduates who have ascended to compete at the national series level, achieving notable milestones. Kyle Larson, Bubba Wallace, and Daniel Suárez, alumni of the Drive for Diversity Program, have left indelible marks in NASCAR’s annals.
Larson, the program’s first graduate to clinch a NASCAR Cup Series championship, holds a significant place in history. His ascent began with Rev Racing in the 2012 K&N Pro Series, and today, he stands as the sole Asian-American regular in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Meanwhile, Suárez, making history as the first Mexican-born driver to claim victory in the NASCAR Cup Series, also secured the NASCAR Xfinity Series championship in 2016, marking a significant milestone for diversity in the sport.
Wallace, the first Black driver to secure multiple Cup Series victories, has been a pivotal figure in NASCAR’s diversity narrative. Competing with the 23XI Racing team, owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, Wallace has contributed significantly to the sport’s evolving landscape.
Notable success stories from the program include Nick Sanchez, the 2022 ARCA Menards Series Champion, and Rajah Caruth, a prominent iRacer turned NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series competitor.
The 2024 class boasts a blend of promising talents, including Andrés Pérez de Lara, Lavar Scott, Nathan Lyons, Eloy Sebastián López Falcón, Lanie Buice, TJ DeCaire, Regina Sirvent, Cassidy Keitt, and LaQuan McCoy Jr., each showcasing exceptional potential in their respective racing domains.
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Our Reader’s Queries
What is Nascar’s drive for diversity program?
The NASCAR Drive for Diversity Program is a specialized training program that aims to provide equal opportunities to drivers and pit crew members from diverse backgrounds. This program is designed to help individuals with different experiences and skills to develop their talents and achieve their goals in the racing industry. By offering unique training and support, the program helps to create a more inclusive and diverse community within the sport.
How many black race car drivers are there?
NASCAR has been criticized for its lack of diversity, particularly when it comes to African American drivers. Currently, there are only two African American drivers competing in all four national NASCAR racing series: Bubba Wallace Jr. and Jesse Iwuji. This underrepresentation has been a topic of discussion within the racing community and beyond.
What was Nascar drive for Diversity 2004?
Established in 2004, the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Development Program aims to cultivate and educate exceptional drivers from varied backgrounds and experiences, both on and off the racecourse. Our program is dedicated to providing comprehensive training and support to help drivers reach their full potential.
