The Drive for Diversity program, run by Access Marketing & Communications, seeks to develop diverse and female drivers and crew members. In 2006, eight drivers participated in the Drive for Diversity Program and competed in the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series. Twelve crew members will earn jobs in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and NASCAR Busch Series. Much of the success of the Drive for Diversity initiative is a result of support for the program by key sponsors and involved team owners. For more information, visit www.drivefordiversity.com.

NASCAR supports the Urban Youth Racing School (UYRS), a non-profit organization based in Philadelphia that provides inner-city youths, ages 8-18, with the opportunity to learn about motorsports. The 10-week curriculum incorporates hands-on driving, competitive driving techniques and exposure to the different career opportunities available throughout the industry. Four UYRS students participated in an internship program at Atlanta Motor Speedway in March. The program, which was sponsored by Sears through their Craftsman brand, matched each student with a team in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. The students spent time in the race shops during the week before going to Atlanta to shadow crew members in the garage.

Earlier this season, the NASCAR Busch Series returned to the legendary Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez road course in Mexico City. The event followed last year’s successful race – NASCAR’s first ever points race in Mexico. Over 100,000 fans attended the weekend’s events for the second consecutive year. The events are part of NASCAR Mexico, a long-term strategic venture to reestablish and strengthen the great motorsports heritage of Mexico. The goal of the venture is to grow a meaningful presence for NASCAR in Mexico and to increase the popularity of NASCAR among Mexicans living in both Mexico and the United States.