The Drive for Diversity program is enjoying a breakout year in just its third season. Drive for Diversity is an ethnic and gender minority driver and crew member development program run by Access Marketing & Communications. The program, which is NASCARs leading on-track diversity initiative, currently has eight drivers competing in the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series. Although the season is only at the midway point, the drivers have combined for eight victories. The eight drivers represent a variety of racing and ethnic backgrounds. Each driver touts an impressive on-track resume that includes several national and track championships. Many of them have already received national attention for historic wins. Chris Bristols win at Hickory (N.C.) Motor Speedway last season made him the first African-American driver to win in the tracks 55-year history. Jesus Hernandez followed Bristols lead this year becoming the first Hispanic driver to win at the track. Peter Hernandez has visited victory lane twice this year at Stockton 99 Speedway in Stockton, Calif. Allison Duncan made history at that track last season becoming the first female driver to win at the track. It was also the first win for the Drive for Diversity program. Although all eight of the current drivers have experienced success on the track, the most impressive driver of this season has been Marc Davis. Davis, a 16-year-old from Mitchellville, Md., has won five Limited Late Model races at Hickory in just 11 starts. Since turning 16, he has competed in three NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series Late Model races, earning two top-10 finishes. He finished second to Jesus Hernandez in his second career NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series start. NASCAR will spotlight teams, tracks, sponsors and partners throughout the year for significant contributions and achievement in diversity. NASCAR will also be highlighting diverse drivers currently competing throughout the different levels of the sport.(NASCAR PR)(7-28-2006)
