NASCAR Campus Outreach: Shayla Lewis and Jeff Philippe-Auguste, students at Bethune-Cookman University, were unfamiliar with motorsports in their upbringing, much like many of their peers.
The sport’s historical associations with the Old South and the prevalence of Confederate flags among fans haven’t traditionally opened doors for potential Black fans. In a bid to change this narrative, NASCAR has taken proactive steps, including reaching out to Black students like Lewis and Philippe-Auguste.
This year, NASCAR initiated a campus lab specifically catering to B-CU students keen on exploring ways to market auto racing to a more diverse audience while also attracting potential employees.
Under the guidance of Caryn Grant, senior director of NASCAR diversity and inclusion, and John Ferguson, NASCAR’s chief human resources officer, the students were entrusted with a $65,000 budget. They engaged in weekly 90-minute sessions with NASCAR officials, collectively devising strategies for an on-campus event aimed at raising awareness about the Daytona International Speedway experience and leaving a lasting impression.
Reflecting on their involvement, Lewis, a senior business administration major from Tampa, emphasized the students’ autonomy in orchestrating the event. “We were not only involved, we led the entire effort,” she stated. While acknowledging support from Grant and Ferguson, Lewis highlighted the initiative’s reliance on the students’ ideas and efforts.
Their responsibilities spanned various tasks, from brainstorming engaging initiatives for fellow students to managing logistics like catering, music, tents, chairs, and staying in constant communication with both NASCAR and school authorities.
Philippe-Auguste added insight into the challenges faced, noting the balancing act between ambitious ideas and feasible execution as the most demanding aspect for the cohort. “Realizing the scope of what we could accomplish was the most challenging aspect for all of us,” Philippe-Auguste admitted.
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