Pocky's Paddock
A NASCAR BLOG BY Bob Pockrass
Drive for Diversity combine offers glimpse into NASCAR's future
SOUTH BOSTON, Va. – It was fun to go to NASCAR’s Drive For Diversity combine Monday and talk to drivers yearning for a chance to compete.
It’s fun to talk to drivers between the ages of 17 and 25 and listen to their enthusiasm. For the 25-year-olds, it’s hard not to wonder if they have missed their opportunity, a shame in this age of sponsors wanting the youngest talent available.
And it’s hard to talk to teenagers who have given up so much to become racers with no certainty that they will reach their goals. Will missing proms be worth it? Will delaying college impact their lives when they’re 30?
It’s simple math that says the odds are against most of them from making it. And it’s hard to predict which ones, if they get the chance, will eventually compete at NASCAR’s top level.
The combine was a reminder that there is no perfect way to bring up a new driver, to develop someone who shows potential.
The best advice these youngsters: Win. Get a sponsor on your own. Don’t jump at an opportunity unless the equipment is at least respectable. Win. Get a sponsor on your own. And win again.
Bob Pockrass
Bob Pockrass began covering NASCAR in 1992, primarily covering short-track racing and events. He has been an associate editor at NASCAR Scene since 2003.
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3 responses to "Drive for Diversity combine offers glimpse into NASCAR's future". Post a Comment.
Arthur Trim said:
Oct 15, 2008 at 9:57 AMThe cost of a truly competitive race car , in any series, will stifle most of these dreams. There have always been plenty of talented minority & female drivers! There has always been a a severe shortage of true quality rides! Sponsorship is the only key that will unlock the future, ask Willie T. Ribs, Lynn St.James, Sarah Fisher, Danica Patric.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportRex Lee said:
Oct 16, 2008 at 6:04 PMI really believe that Crissy Wallace will be the girl to make it big in Nascar. More than Fisher or Patric. I believe she will compete at the top level and win. She comes from racing royalty[the Wallace family] She has sponsorship deals and is always in competitive equipment. She has an ace in the hole that puts her on a very fast track. MISTER TONY STEWART. Smoke may have been looking for a female driver and he found a very talented race car driver thats a female with Crissy Wallace. Tony's not going to put any driver in top equipment that he doesn't think can win in it. And besides if some chick driver from Germany or any where else throws a towel at her I'm bettin' Crissy puts her fire suit boot right in the crack of her @$$. Smoke's got the boys covered. Watch for Crissy Wallace to race at the front of the Sprint Cup series and win!!!
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» Confirm Abuse ReportMichael Daly said:
Jan 17, 2009 at 2:21 PMChrissy Wallace has not shown much to warrant thinking she'll go far.
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