Nascar delivers Diversity Awards
Throughout the years it has also featured multiple inclusive and captivating paint schemes, including numerous LGBTQ+ Pride decals, a design featuring Static, an iconic Black superhero. There was a real unity as Ally and NASCAR connected their respective employee resource groups (ERGs) so they could work together and make a collective DE&I impact, including when NASCAR and Ally’s pride ERGs walked side-by-side at in the Charlotte Pride parade early last year.
Earl Heath
Contributing Sports Writer
Nascar is one of the moving forces around diversity in the country. Recently in Los Angeles recognized trailblazers and advocates, at the 16th annual Nascar Drive for Diversity Awards. Among the honorees are crew members, league partners, and a public school system who are all making a real difference in the sport. And new this year, Ally Financial – the nation’s largest digital-only bank and Official Consumer Bank of Nascar –became the first-ever presenting partner of the ceremony.
“We celebrate individuals playing a key role growing our sport and welcoming new fans by making it more inclusive,” said NASCAR president, Steve Phelps. “Having the support of sponsors like Ally is crucial because we share a common goal of making racing inclusive for all. We’re elated to have them as the presenting sponsor of the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Awards.”
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 02: Chandler Love, University of Miami is presented the Outstanding Intern from John Ferguson, NASCAR Chief Human Resources Officer during the 2024 NASCAR Drive for Diversity Awards at the Majestic Downtown Los Angeles on February 02, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
Ally, widely known for its commitment to inclusivity on and off the track, entered racing in 2019 as a full-season sponsor of the Hendrick Motorsports No. 48 Team and expanded its presence by becoming an official NASCAR partner in 2023. Ally has since initiated a series of initiatives designed to elevate the contributions of diverse members of the racing community.
Some initiatives include launching an annual Fueling Futures program in collaboration with HMS. It is aimed at fostering economic mobility for young people by showcasing the various job opportunities within motorsports, beyond race car drivers.
Throughout the years it has also featured multiple inclusive and captivating paint schemes, including numerous LGBTQ+ Pride decals, a design featuring Static, an iconic Black superhero. There was a real unity as Ally and NASCAR connected their respective employee resource groups (ERGs) so they could work together and make a collective DE&I impact, including when NASCAR and Ally’s pride ERGs walked side-by-side at in the Charlotte Pride parade early last year.
Some award recipient were Mike Metcalf who previously worked as the Co-Head Pit Crew Coach and Director of Culture and Community at Trackhouse Racing. The Charlotte native and former football student-athlete graduated with honors from Appalachian State University. The long time crew veteran first entered the world of NASCAR as a pit crew member in 2006. Mike started coaching pit crews in addition to competing in 2012. He is one of the few Pit Crew Coaches to be a pit crew champion as both a crew member (08’) and a coach (22’).
Another award winner Chandler Love who earned the most outstanding intern award. Love joined the NASCAR Diversity Internship Program with a strong passion for Human Resources. Over the summer. The University of Miami supported various functions within NASCAR’s HR department, contributing significantly to processes and the overall employee experience. Chandler’s dedication and exceptional performance earned her a part-time opportunity with NASCAR as a Learning Administrator as she completes her senior year at UM.
Other award winners include: Tyler Reddick 23XI National Series Driver, Young Racer Katie Hettinger became the first female to win a [Pro Late Model] race. She was crowned CARS Tour Rookie of the Year, finishing the season second in Driver Championship Points, and receiving the fan vote as Most Popular Pro Late Model driver. She also received the Wendell Scott Trailblazer Award in 2022.
Chicago Public Schools earned the Institution Award. They worked with NASCAR and introduced the sport to a new generation of racing fans when 43 CPS STEM and STEAM schools and 22,000 students from across the district participated in an in-classroom design challenge focused on driver helmets in 2023. Winning teams of K-12 students were invited to the inaugural STEAM Fest to compete in an engineering-focused design challenge with help from NASCAR Cup Series driver Daniel Suárez and a team of STEM professionals from the NASCAR industry. Following the success of the 2023 program, NASCAR’s Research and Development Team has furthered its partnership with CPS to build a NASCAR-themed STEAM curriculum to be rolled out to an additional 17,000+ 8th graders across the city in 2024.
