On Thursday, NASCAR announced that Advance Auto Parts, a leading automotive aftermarket parts provider and the “Official Auto Parts Retailer of NASCAR”, will serve as the title sponsor of the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Development Combine.
The automotive retailer will continue to further broaden its portfolio within the sport, adding title sponsorship of the Drive for Diversity Combine to an illustrious list of partnerships, ranging from title sponsorship of the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series to a multi-race sponsorship of Ryan Blaney and Team Penske.
In doing so, Advance Auto Parts continues to dedicate its resources to the overall development of NASCAR at the grassroots level, as well as the future stars of the NASCAR Cup Series, while continuously expanding its footprint in the sport.
“This program has been advancing careers for many years, with so many talented drivers getting the opportunity to showcase their abilities,” said Jason McDonell, Advance’s executive vice president of merchandising, marketing and e-commerce. “Increasing diverse representation within the motorsports community is paramount, and our Advance team is grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with NASCAR to create a pipeline for tomorrow’s racing stars.”
Formed in 2004, the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Development Program has assisted in training and developing ethnically diverse and female drivers from an on-track and off-track perspective. Former alumni of the program include NASCAR Cup Series winners Kyle Larson, Daniel Suarez, and Bubba Wallace.
“We’re excited to welcome Advance Auto Parts as our combine partner,” said Brandon Thompson, NASCAR’s vice president of diversity & inclusion. “Their commitment to our industry diversity & inclusion efforts, and specifically their commitment to advancing the next generation of NASCAR drivers will aid us in identifying, attracting and developing young, diverse talent.”
In addition to the program’s newfound sponsorship, NASCAR and Rev Racing have announced the names of the 13 drivers that will be participating in the 2022 Advance Auto Parts Drive for Diversity Combine.
These drivers from around the world were selected as a result of a rigorous selection process and will be further evaluated by judges from across the NASCAR industry. Each participant will be assessed in different areas from physical fitness and on-track performance to media and marketing skills.
“We are thrilled that we are in a position to return to an in-person evaluation for this year’s Advance Auto Parts Drive for Diversity Combine,” said Max Seigel, CEO of Rev Racing. “We are energized by the high level of participating athletes and look forward to building the best driver class for 2023. As an organization, we have never been more positioned for success and future growth.”
This year’s candidates were evaluated based on applications, references, historical success, and previous on-track performance by a panel of NASCAR executives and professionals. To apply, interested drivers submitted a racing resume and video highlights to NASCAR and Rev Racing.
2022 Advance Auto Parts Drive for Diversity Combine Roster:
- Justin Campbell
- Age: 17, Hometown: Griffin, Georgia
- Quinn Davis
- Age: 13, Hometown: Sparta, Tennessee
- Eloy Sebastián López Falcon
- Age: 17, Hometown: Mexico City, Mexico
- Katie Hettinger
- Age: 15, Hometown: Dryden, Michigan
- Caleb Johnson
- Age: 15, Hometown: Denver, Colorado
- Nathan Lyons
- Age: 13, Hometown: Concord, North Carolina
- Andrés Pérez de Lara
- Age: 17, Hometown: Mexico City, Mexico
- Jaiden Reyna
- Age: 16, Hometown: Cornelius, North Carolina
- Jordon Riddick
- Age: 17, Hometown: Sellersburg, Indiana
- Paige Rogers
- Age: 19, Hometown: New Haven, Indiana
- Lavar Scott
- Age: 19, Hometown: Carney’s Point, New Jersey
- Regina Sirvent
- Age: 19, Hometown: Mexico City, Mexico
- Lucas Vera
- Age: 15, Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina
