Daytona Beach, FL (BlackNews.com) - The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) announced a month-long series of events to celebrate Black History Month.
"The events surrounding Black History Month are a part of our ongoing attempt to raise awareness in all communities about NASCAR's on-track and off-track opportunities throughout the sport," said NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France. "We are committed to making our sport - on and off the race track - look more like America."
The month kicks off with a Drive for Diversity forum to include students in the North Carolina A&T State University Motorsports program. The seminar will feature representatives from NASCAR, Drive for Diversity, the Joe Gibbs/Reggie White Driver Development Program and other industry experts answering questions from students about the opportunities in the motorsports industry.
NASCAR's "Race for the Mic," an "American Idol" style competition at North Carolina A&T State University, will give contestants from across the country a chance to sing the National Anthem live at a NASCAR event during Daytona Speedweeks. The program will include contestants representing several Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The day will also include a fashion show featuring NASCAR-related apparel modeled by A&T students.
Students from Bethune-Cookman College will tour Daytona USA and Daytona International Speedway as part of 'NASCAR 101'. Students will receive a NASCAR marketing presentation, a team building session and learn about the different professional opportunities available within the motorsports industry.
The two winners of the Urban Youth Racing School (UYRS) Points Championship will be recognized before the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Daytona. The two champions will take part in a pre-race ceremony with Bill Lester which will be broadcast live on SPEED Channel.
The Bethune-Cookman Marching Band will perform during pre-race ceremonies at Daytona International Speedway prior to the Daytona 500.
NASCAR is also working closely with its media partners to celebrate Black History Month by producing several special features on African-Americans in NASCAR.
"NASCAR hopes to raise awareness about the sport and its opportunities during its celebration of Black History Month," said Tish Sheets, Director of Diversity and Special Projects.
For more information, contact: Ramsey Poston, NASCAR Public Relations (386) 681-4353 or rposton@nascar.com
NASCAR Celebrates Black History Month:
Thurs., Feb. 3 - Drive for Diversity Forum
* Drive for Diversity will host an afternoon forum for the North Carolina A&T State University Motorsports program students.
* The seminar will feature representatives from NASCAR, Drive for Diversity, Joe Gibbs/Reggie White driver development program and other industry experts talking to and/or answering questions from students about the opportunities in the motorsports industry.
* All students from NCA&T motorsports classes as well as sports management/business students will be in attendance.
Sat., Feb. 5 - NASCAR "Race for the Mic"
* An "American Idol" style competition featuring contestants from across the country competing for the chance to sing the National Anthem live at a NASCAR event during Daytona Speedweeks
* Event will take place at North Carolina A&T State University and will be free for students. There will be celebrity guest appearances and performances. The event will also include a fashion show featuring NASCAR-related apparel modeled by A&T students.
* The program will be themed around African-Americans and their contributions to motorsports
* NASCAR will make a contribution to the NCA&TSU Motorsports program.
Thurs., Feb. 10 - Bethune-Cookman College - NASCAR 101
* Select students from Bethune-Cookman will tour Daytona USA and Daytona International Speedway.
* Students will receive a NASCAR marketing presentation, a team building session and learn about the different opportunities within the motorsports industry.
* Tickets will also be given to students to attend selected races during Speed Weeks.
Fri., Feb. 18 - Urban Youth Racing School - Champions' Ceremony
* Points champions from the Urban Youth Racing School will be recognized before the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race.
* The two youths will take part in pre-race ceremony with Bill Lester to be aired live on the SPEED Channel.
Sun., Feb 20 - Bethune-Cookman Marching Band performance at the Daytona 500
* The Bethune-Cookman Wildcat Marching Band will perform during pre-race ceremonies at Daytona International Speedway prior to the Daytona 500.
NASCAR Media Partners Celebrate Black History Month:
Speed Channel
* Speed will air Black History Month vignettes throughout the month of February.
* Bill Lester will serve as a commentator during Speedweeks, where he will make 3 live appearances on Speed Channel. He will talk specifically about Black History Month, as well as "hot NASCAR news" going on during Speedweeks.
NASCAR.COM
* NASCAR.COM will run a three-part decade-by-decade feature once a week for three weeks in February.
XM Radio
* XM is producing a four part series to celebrate Black History Month by featuring African Americans making a difference in NASCAR.
-END-
Posted By: Will Moss
Friday, February 4th 2005 at 2:29PM
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