As a kid, Jusan Hamilton dreamed of becoming a NASCAR driver, but he fell hard for fast cars. He kept pace with the top drivers as he bounced from series to series and knew that he could succeed as a professional driver.
Other kids that looked like him were not something Hamilton saw. While a lack of minorities did not deter him from racing, it did lead other friends and family to wonder what he was doing with his time each weekend.
Hamilton said he was often asked why an African American kid from upstate New York had an interest in racing.
The answer was simple, based less on breaking barriers and blazing trails and more on pursuing his passion.
"For me, it was: This is what I enjoy," Hamilton said. Each weekend I go to the racetrack with my family to spend time together.
The financial strain on his family made it difficult for Hamilton to continue his racing career, but he did make it in racing, not in a driving career that petered out, but behind the scenes for over a decade in NASCAR. He was named race director for NASCAR's three national series after shepherding the Drive for Diversity program, which was rejected by him as a teen.
Hamilton is set to become the first black race director in Daytona 500 history and only the third since 1988. He will watch from a booth overlooking the track and call the shots on everything from cautions to penalties to the clean-up crew, navigating the complexity of the race in the official debut for NASCAR's Next Gen car.
It is not about being the first black man to call the Daytona 500. Bigger picture, I hope it sets a positive example for others that if you work hard and have a mindset toward your goal, you can do it.
Over the past decade, the stock car series has made strides in its diversity initiatives, as it tries to bust traditional stereotypes and reflect all genders, ethnic groups and background.
Hamilton said that he had always felt welcome. I think it was the right time for the company to make its stance known to the public. I think we have taken huge steps in our public perception.
Last season, Wallace became the first black driver to win a Cup Series race in 50 years. Wallace, who won driving for a team co-owned by NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan, found his voice as a catalyst for change and led the successful push for NASCAR's 2020 ban of the Confederate flag.
He is not the only person of color paving a new path in NASCAR. People in a wide range of jobs can be seen around the garage at Daytona.
The second full-time Black driver of the season will be a lieutenant commander in the Navy Reserve named Jesse Iwuji. Emmitt Smith, a Pro Football Hall of Famer, is one of the co-owners of the team. The team that is co-owned by Pitbull has a Mexican driver.
NY Racing, a team owned by John Cohen, has a car that will attempt to qualify for the Daytona 500.
Wallace said that Jesse was a dream for him because he had been grinding so hard to make this work for him. As far as industry leaders like J 800-381-0266 800-381-0266 800-381-0266 800-381-0266 800-381-0266 800-381-0266 800-381-0266 800-381-0266 800-381-0266 800-381-0266 800-381-0266 800-381-0266 800-381-0266 800-381-0266 800-381-0266 800-381-0266 800-381-0266 800-381-0266 800-381-0266 800-381-0266 800-381-0266 800-381-0266 800-381-0266 800-381-0266 800-381-0266 800-381-0266 800-381-0266 800-381-0266 800-381-0266 800-381-0266 800-381-0266 800-381-0266 800-381-0266 800-381-0266 800-381-0266 800-381-0266 800-381-0266 800-381-0266 800-381-0266 800-381-0266 800-381-0266 800-381-0266 800-381-0266 800-381-0266 800-381-0266 800-381-0266 800-381-0266 800-381-0266 800-381-0266 800-381-0266 800-381-0266
Noah Gragson raced his way into the Daytona 500 on the strength of his team. Busch Light made historic progress toward gender inclusivity by committing $10 million to sponsor every 21-and-older woman driver in NASCAR over the next three years. Among the familiar names expected to benefit from the Accelerate Her program are Xfinity Series driver Natalie Decker and Truck series veteran Jennifer Jo Cobb.
Cohen's ownership career included five drivers and 17 starts. He recruited Greg Biffle for his NY Racing team for a run at Daytona as an open car and secured sponsorship from Grambling State University. Cohen credited NASCAR president Steve Phelps with changing racial attitudes in the industry.
Cohen said that it was different for him than Michael Jordan. It is a trap. People don't know who I am. Even if he is a NASCAR owner, you will still respect him because he is Jordan. I am talking about security, fans, and everybody. It is a different feeling for me than it would be for him.
Hamilton hopes that the next age group that will come up will have an interest like he does. It shows that this is doable. Someone has set an example. If this is what you want to do, you should pursue the goal and get the support you need.
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