Nascar has been touting it’s “Diversity Program” for several years now. Has anyone seen an influx of women, African Americans or Hispanics into the sport? Not me.
Now, look at open wheel racing, especially IndyCar and its little sister the Firestone Indy Lights Series.
We all know Danica Patrick of course. She however was just one of FOUR women that started the IndyCar season opener just over a week ago in Brazil.
There was Milka Duno.
Simona De Silvestro
and Ana Beatriz Figueredo who happened to finish 13th. (Danica finished 15th)
Sarah Fisher will race in the IndyCar Series this year on the ovals but she is also a team owner.
That’s five women in IndyCar!
Now in the Firestone Indy Lights, Pippa Mann is in her second year.
And add in Carmen Jorda.
7 women in the top two open wheel series in the United States. Nascar has only Billy Jo Cobb trying to race fulltime in the Nascar Camping World Truck Series.
I haven’t even got into all the nationalities and ethnic backgrounds of the drivers in open wheel both female and male.
Maybe it’s time for Nascar to give more than just lip service to its diversity program and put its money and weight where it’s mouth is.
1 Comment(s)
I have also wondered why the most popular motorsport in the country doesn’t have any minorities racing in it. I think that Danica may be NASCAR’s only way of getting a female racing in the top flight for now.