The Drive to Boost Inclusivity in Motorsport
There's nothing quite like the thrill of a motor race. The sense of speed, the glorious engine notes that reverberate through your body, and the smell of gasoline in the air make going to an event unlike anything else.
With such an enticing offer, there are millions that tune in to watch major races and Grands Prix on television, with many more also going to spectate in person. Formula 1 alone has 2 billion annual television viewers, while other top-level categories have equally high numbers.
Here in the US, NASCAR and Indycar have led the way for decades. These all-American categories are, by far, the most popular among US petrol heads thanks to their preference for oval racing, local drivers, and easy-to-access TV coverage.
It's also traditionally been easier for American fans to find odds for NASCAR betting markets than for international and European competitions, which has helped to make them more popular.
Different Continents — Similar Challenges
However, both US and international motorsports often face the same challenges. Just like many other professional sports, there has been a historical problem with inclusivity. Getting underrepresented groups into motorsport has been difficult, often for the same reasons we see in competitions like football, basketball, and hockey.
For example, getting underrepresented groups into professional sports is a chicken and egg scenario. Many talented people don't believe they can make it in their preferred discipline because they don't see athletes that are like them.
Historically, however, the problem has been bigger in motorsport because of the huge costs required to compete at almost every level.
Even entry-level competitions come with a hefty price tag. Take karting as an example. It is one of the cheapest forms of motorsport and often the way many people start their journey towards Formula 1 and Indycar.
A typical single year of racing can easily set you back $11,000, something that an average person is going to be unable to fund.
Compare that to just about any other sport. Someone starting out in tennis just needs a racquet and a few balls, a rookie soccer player needs a ball and some boots, and even an aspiring cyclist can buy a bike for a few hundred bucks.
So given the systemic problems in society that can lead to large wealth gaps emerging, it's easy to see how it can become difficult for some groups to get into motorsport.
Promoting Diversity
Recognizing this problem, the organizers of most major motorsport categories have begun to invest heavily in programs designed to promote diversity.
In NASCAR, the Drive for Diversity Program aims to address the financial barriers that minorities face. Launched way back in 2004, it is designed to provide a path for under-represented groups to find a place in the sport, whether that be behind the wheel or as part of a pit crew.
To find drivers to support through the program, combines are hosted for candidates to compete for places in several lower-tier competitions and work their way up. Although it's got off to a slow start, two current drivers — Bubba Wallace and Daniel Suarez — have made their way into the top tier through the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Program.
Formula 1 Kicking Up a Gear
Similar programs exist in Formula 1, though they are more recent creations. For example, in 2021, the sport announced several initiatives to offer scholarships, apprenticeships, and internships to help underrepresented groups to find a place in motorsport.
Lewis Hamilton, the only black driver to ever compete in the category has been working hard to be a role model for more like him. He's even created his own organization to help build on his legacy as the most successful racer of all time.
In recent years, some very public initiatives have been used in F1 to demonstrate the sport's commitment to diversity. Known as "We Race As One", it saw a rainbow painted on the Safety Car and Medical Car as well as in prominent positions around the track.
Of course, some colorful logos aren't enough, but the campaign helped to kickstart its wider initiatives and set out the sport's intentions.
It's going to take a long time to make a difference as it can take a decade or more for drivers to make it into the top flight, but the W Series looks set to be a good way for female drivers to find a path to F1. This may be one of the first successes of the initiatives.
Therefore, it is fair to say that, while a lot of progress has been made with all of these initiatives, there's still a long way to go.