Drive for diversity: Over decades, NASCAR builds roles for women

"Thereʼs a lot of women behind the scenes. You can do anything you want to do in this industry,ˮ says Jordan Leatherman, the director of diversity and Inclusion at NASCAR.

Posted 4:24 a.m. May 18 — Updated 6:56 p.m. May 24

Shamaria Massenburg

, WRAL Sports contributor

“Thereʼs a lot of women behind the scenes. You can do anything you want to do in this industry,ˮ says Jordan Leatherman, the director of diversity and Inclusion at NASCAR.

Women in NASCAR have been making strides in the industry for years, from early pioneers like Danica Patrick, Janet Guthrie and Sarah Christian to notable pit crew members like Breanna OʼLeary, Brehanna Daniels and Dalanda Ouendeno. Many of those advances have been made possible by the Drive for Diversity program, which was launched in 2000.

“We didnʼt find diversity and inclusion in 2020. Our department had existed for 20 years at that point,ˮ Leatherman added.

Leatherman began as an intern in the program in 2014 and worked her way up. The NASCAR executive now oversees programs that she used to participate in.

“I remember interviewing students for the very first time and then watching them grow into full-time employees. Iʼve watched interns get married and have kids. There are drivers Iʼve been with since they were 16 years old,ˮ Leatherman said.

NASCAR All-Star Race returning to North Wilkesboro Speedway in 2025

Breanna O'Leary: Precision in the pit

Breanna OʼLeary got her start with NASCAR by participating in the draft combine in 2017. However, the former Alcorn State softball player had no idea that sheʼd find herself becoming a trailblazer for women in the pit.

“The diversity program showed me the door and that thereʼs an opportunity here if you choose to work at it,ˮ OʼLeary said.

OʼLeary said her experience as a college athlete translated to the workouts she has to do daily to train for the 36-week NASCAR season. But she had to learn new skills in order to be successful.

"At the three-month mark, I remember thinking, 'What am I doing? I am absolutely wasting my time here.' Then you get over the hump and you do it, and itʼs fun. Now I get to be the one to help develop the next generation of drivers," O'Leary said.

In a typical day, she does a morning workout, watches file and then participates in practice with her team.

OʼLeary entered the 2017 combine with Brehanna Daniels, the first Black woman tire changer in NASCAR. As the only two women in the cohort, they roomed together and went on to be the first women to pit the Daytona 500.

Regina Sirventʼs victory lap

Regina Sirvent, a driver from Mexico City and a college student studying industrial engineering, began racing at the age of 14. Her grandfather, José Sirvent, was a famous rally racer in the 1970s. Despite her family's racing history, Sirvent didnʼt initially anticipate becoming a driver. Now 21, her persistence led her to become the first Hispanic woman to compete in a NASCAR sanctioned race at the L.A Memorial Coliseum.

“Iʼm still racing in the Drive For Diversity program with Rev Racing. They have supported me in so many aspects,ˮ Sirvent said.

When asked about how drivers train, Sirvent explained, "As drivers, we canʼt practice in the cars every day because the tires donʼt last as long as those on a street car. We use simulators as a way to train."

While reflecting on where she is now, Sirvent described a moment in her career where things were not going easy for her. The young driver recalled feeling very frustrated at times when she wasnʼt seeing results. Sirvent credits her family for not letting her give up and teaching her the importance of seeing it through.

“I really miss my family and my momʼs cooking. My siblings are a part of the engine of my life,ˮ Sirvent said.

NASCAR drivers wanted

NASCARʼs Driver Development Program aims to give aspiring drivers real-world experience by giving them access to driver competitions, media training and the importance of health and wellness.

“Drivers who are between ages 12 and 22 can apply to the program. Those who are selected get invited to our Advanced Auto Parts Drive For Diversity combine in the fall. Itʼs like a pro-style draft,ˮ Leatherman said.

Voice of NASCAR fans: Taylor Kitchenʼs impact

Taylor Kitchen is a content creator for NASCAR. Kitchen began her platform, Above The Yellow Line, in 2017 as an outlet to cope with a chronic illness. It has since evolved into a multimedia platform.

“A lot of my inspiration comes from my viewers. In order to be successful, you have to do this for those that view your page,ˮ Taylor said.

She uploads weekly content aimed at NASCAR fans.

“There is a design to the content that makes it digestible for everyone. I donʼt like to talk down to my audience,ˮ Kitchen said.

The collaborative efforts of women in NASCAR

Though NASCAR has traditionally been a male-dominated sport, the organization's commitment to shifting the culture is clear. NASCAR has a place for everyone whether they aspire to be an executive like Jordan, a driver like Regina, or a member of the pit crew like Breanna.

“We stay in contact with drivers who donʼt make it their first year. We want as many women participating in the sport as possible.ˮ Leatherman said.

Suggest A Correction