A Day At The Track

An exciting wake up call at Atlanta Motor Speedway, as the roar of 40 engines echoed from wall to wall. Saturday was a major experience that physically shook the body. Tingling from head to toe, as the low grumble of engines racing by shakes the bone.

The NSACAR Opinion Leader Program gave a grand tour of Atlanta Motor Speedway. Students from Morehouse College & Clark Atlanta University were given HOT passes to explore the garage and pits, providing a special first time experience of NASCAR for many. Eyes widened in every direction, captivated by big wheels, fast cars and a lot of action.

Thrown into the heart of the track the students witnessed, drivers flying on and off of the track, pit crews doing pre –race checks, and opening ceremony standing on the finish line. Engulfed in the world of mechanical beast, rubber tires and propane, showing just how amazing NASCAR can be. Jeffrey Mclellan a member of Pit Fire explained the atmosphere and culture of the sport that stood out amongst it all.

“The camaraderie of the fans and of the drivers, you can’t go to an NFL game, go up there and be faced to faced with lets say Aaron Rodgers or someone like that, where I watched today during practice and during qualifying people going up to Joey Logano and other drivers getting their autographs, it’s just a lot more of a friendly atmosphere than any other sport.” Mclellan Said.

An expression of NASCAR that was proven true as the day went on. The tour given introduced students to the diverse side of NASCAR meeting people of color in several different positions ranging from Media to pit crew. Coach Phil Horton director of athletic performance for RevRacing described his position.

“My position is like a special teams coach in football, and it is very intense like stick and ball, handling strength training, and walking around to talk to all my graduates of RevRacing to ensure that they are ready to handle a pit stop” Horton said.

Providing a taste of his workday, allowing exposure to a newer and younger audience, and building their interest in the process. Along with words of wisdom from coach Horton, came a statement by Dion “Rocko” Williams as he summed up the black experience of NASCAR perfectly.

“Its foreign, there is a lot of diversity now but like any other sport its competitive” Williams said.

As the world of NASCAR was has remained unknown to many people of color, but it is obvious that is changing. NASCAR is making a major effort to include people of all shapes shades and sizes. The NASCAR Multi-cultural Development Program, provided a magnificent service giving the students the opportunity see several positions held by people of color, emphasizing self –representation.

To see a conscious effort such as this in making everyone feel included, only boosts the level of joy and excitement that naturally comes with NASCAR. As the sport progresses more and more people of color will begin to find opportunities in the world of NASCAR racing as it speeds towards the finish line on its drive for diversity.

By Corey Rious Jr. a student at Morehouse College.

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