I remember it vividly: One of the greatest motorsports journalists ever had just written a column, in March of 2009, citing the lack of progress in terms of the NASCAR Drive for Diversity program, the signature program developed by NASCAR and Max Seigel, the owner and CEO of Rev Racing. I looked that journalist up later that year at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) to discuss his column in depth and see what else he might share with me. As we conversed, he didn’t retract a thing, and while he applauded their efforts to develop drivers in the program, I thought about the other various positions one could hold in their organization and within the teams competing in the sport, as well. It seemed logical to me that the program would look beyond just those who could drive, for the next wave of talent the sport would obviously need as time went on. I wasn’t alone with those thoughts, as NASCAR knew it as well.
Since then, top-flight drivers such as Daniel Suarez, Kyle Larson and Darrell Wallace Jr. have distinguished themselves admirably, and the program has widened its scope to offer opportunities in marketing, public relations and sponsorship, among other disciplines. It has also been successful in the development of a pipeline of talent that is contributing mightily in terms of pit crew employees.
That success was evident this past May, when the program conducted its National Pit Crew Combine, where 17 exceptional athletes converged at their developmental center in North Carolina. Those in attendance received invitations to compete after a national talent search was conducted. After various testing occurred, they all received training that is commensurate with pit crew positions and received consultation with some of the best individuals within the sport.
“The program has come so far since its inception,” said Jusan Hamilton, NASCAR’s manager of racing operations, as we spoke by telephone. While Hamilton spoke glowingly of all those involved at NASCAR, he singled out Phil Horton, Rev Racing’s director of athletic performance. “Coach Horton has done a phenomenal job and deserves a tremendous amount of credit.”
While I found everyone I spoke to in the administrative ranks of the program to be candid and helpful, I took it upon myself to spend some time with a graduate of the program during the recent Brickyard 400 at IMS, and what I found was nothing short of amazing in terms of what this particular young man was doing with the opportunities he’s received as a result of his participation in the program.
Through my efforts and with the help of Jasmine Neely of NASCAR Integrated Marketing and Communications, I was able to spend some time with Richie Williams, a graduate of the program who is currently a member of Chip Ganassi Racing’s NASCAR program. A native of Camden, South Carolina, Williams pursued the opportunity to participate in the program after a college football career at Appalachian State University and a stint in the Canadian Football League, where he played three years as a quarterback. Following his football career, he met Coach Horton at a social engagement and expressed interest in enrolling after they conversed about the opportunities in the sport.
Williams flourished quickly and found employment initially in 2010 with Germain Racing in the NASCAR Truck Series before joining Jack Roush Racing in 2012 for both the Cup series and the Xfinity series. Williams accepted his current position with Ganassi as a crewmember for driver Jamie McMurray’s car and performs one of the toughest duties you’ll find on race day as the jackman. For those of you who don’t follow racing, he’s responsible for putting the car in the air for tire changes as it enters the pit, a skill that few people can even fathom.
“I feel truly blessed to have found the program and experienced the opportunities it’s provided me,” stated the soft-spoken and polite Williams as we visited on pit road before the race. “A lot of individuals might not have made it here without the guidance I received from everyone involved at NASCAR.”
While Williams is at the track every weekend, he somehow also finds time to coach varsity football at Northwest Cabarrus High School through the week, which is close to the Ganassi Racing Shop in North Carolina. “It’s a tough schedule, but I embrace it,” he added, before walking to the pits. “I owe so much to this program and to NASCAR. I never imagined doing this, and I really love it.”
Danny Bridges, who watched in amazement from the pits as Richie Williams commandeered the car into the air in a flash, can be reached at (317) 370-8447 or at Bridgeshd@aol.com.
