HAMPTON, VA :: NASCAR has seen a lot of progress in the last ten years thanks in part to their Drive for Diversity program with Rev Racing.  Minority drivers have won races in NASCAR’s elite divisions, a former Drive for Diversity driver stands out as a future superstar and the faces of the sport are becoming more diverse for a sport that has needed it.

There is no doubt that NASCAR has come a long way since Wendell Scott’s victory at Jacksonville in 1963, a win that was not acknowledged by NASCAR immediately.  NASCAR has sought progress since then – progress that has been obtainable.  Juan Pablo Montoya has scored victories in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, Danica Patrick won the pole for the Daytona 500 and women and minority drivers are winning at NASCAR sanctioned short tracks all across the country.

The Drive for Diversity program has had mixed results until recently.  Now, with names like Kyle Larson and Darrell Wallace, Jr. finding success, the results have been clear.

Drive for Diversity itself stands out as a successful program that helps to attract new fans, new sponsors and new drivers without changing the principles of the sport.  When any driver straps in the racecar, the principle remains the same, the checkered flag is still black and white and the goal is still the same.  However, NASCAR knows that it is critical to attract a more diverse fan base in a nation that is becoming increasingly diverse.

Drive for Diversity is also one answer to a problem that many tracks are having – how do you get a younger, more diverse generation interested in racing?  That is a question that NASCAR and racetracks are all struggling with.

The Drive for Diversity Combine also captured the magic of the dreams of young racers and the heart, soul and dedication that goes in to racing.  For many of the 20 drivers, the chance to stand out and race for Max Siegel could be the only chance they get … from the two sisters and cousin in Wisconsin to the young man trying for the fifth time to stand out, every driver has a story to tell and every driver worked their hardest, hoping their hard work pays off.

Some drivers, such as North Carolina’s Annabeth Barnes, feel the program is crucial to their success.  Barnes is currently uncertain of her 2014 plans.  Dylan Smith, who stood out on Tuesday, has only had limited opportunities to race.  Sergio Pena is looking for one more chance to stand out and work up the ranks of NASCAR.  Natalie Decker realizes the sacrifice that awaits her if she is selected.  And Meagan Creech anxiously waits, hoping she’ll have the chance to race full-time in 2014.

The three day combine comes to a close and drivers now wait, hope and pray.  The drivers who will race for Rev Racing next season will be selected in December or January.