NASCAR’s Diversity and Mentorship Program

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (“NASCAR“) has developed a Diversity Internship Program that is full-time and fully supported by corporate sponsors and specifically focuses on college and university students who want to learn about career opportunities in the auto racing and motor sports industry in the United States.

The NASCAR Diversity Internship Program is a 10-week, full-time, paid summer internship program. As part of the internship program, there is a mentorship program during the weekends that shows students the inner workings of NASCAR and various business opportunities at different speedways on the NASCAR racing circuit. To be considered for this Program, only full-time students are eligible to enroll. Applicants must have references and have maintained a 3.0 or better more grade point average.

Once accepted, students spend their time shadowing employees from various departments like the NASCAR Series Operations as well as accessing sponsor commercial areas created by Sprint Nextel, NASCAR Images and XM Satellite Radio. One of the most impressive aspects of the Internship Program is that students can see “behind the scenes” of motor sports and how NASCAR operates. The Diversity Internship Program also provides scholarships and a tour of Black Colleges, Hispanic Serving Institutions and Black Universities.

The NASCAR mentorship program also aims at developing and diversifying the off-track and business side of the industry. The exposure that the students received during the course provides participants with insights into possible career opportunities with NASCAR and real-life experience working for one of the most successful auto racing organization in the world. Each student will placed in a different race “market” depending on availability.

The Program takes place over five different weekends and at five different race tracks such as the Texas Motor Speedway, Darlington Raceway, Daytona International Speedway, Dover International Speedway and at the Richmond International Raceway.

In 2007 there will be openings for twelve male and female students to receive training as NASCAR pit-crew members. Students selected to participate will also receive both PIT Instructions and learn about the complexities of auto racing both on and off the race track.