June 17th, 2009 
T.C. No matter how hard it tries to shake the stigma, it seems that some people still look at NASCAR and its fans as Confederate Flag waving, racist rednecks from the South. This most recent incident involving Brendan Gaughan’s crew chief Bryan Berry and African American driver Marc Davis has brought all of this back to the surface.
Unlike many others who have chosen to write about Berry and what happened, I’m going to reserve judgement. Everyone (including NASCAR) is going off hearsay at this point, and while I understand NASCAR needed to punish Berry, I don’t know if some of the things being said about Berry are fair. I wasn’t there, I don’t know what was said, so I’m not going to condemn Berry’s actions or justify them.
Let me just make that clear one more time. If Berry did say what those witnesses are claiming he did, I’m not saying it’s okay, because it isn’t. But at the same time, if he is innocent, then there is no reason to condemn him for being angry about the incident with Marc Davis.
I think it’s interesting though that some people are calling Berry a racist and connecting him to NASCAR’s southern roots, yet Berry isn’t even from the South! He’s actually a native of South Florida, one of the most diverse areas of this country. That certainly doesn’t acquit him of what happened, but his alleged actions have absolutely nothing to do with the South. And along with that, some of the comments made on the radio by Gaughan have people questioning his views as well. Let’s not forget that Gaughan played basketball at Georgetown under John Thompson and was college roommates with Allen Iverson. If Gaughan is racist, don’t you think he would have had a problem playing for an African American coach and living with an African American roommate?
Anyways, I digress.
The Berry incident aside, I believe it is ridiculously unfair to label the entire sport of NASCAR, the people in the garage, and the fans as racist. While I understand NASCAR is struggling with diversity, there is a ton of progress being made on both sides of the fence.. For example, there are more women and minorities working in the sport then ever before.
For the sake of this discussion, I’m going to do something I don’t normally do here, but I’m going to reveal a little tidbit about myself; I’m a white male. That said, I have absolutely no idea what it’s like being a minority walking the garage or sitting in the grandstands. All I have to go off of is what I’ve seen. And what I’ve seen in NASCAR isn’t different then any other industry I’ve ever worked in.
Racism is an unfortunate reality in this country. It happens everywhere, everyday. And NASCAR isn’t immune to that. But to say in this day and age that NASCAR is somehow this leftover bastion of deep rooted Southern views is ludicrous. While I have no stats to actually back this up, it seems like there are more people who work in NASCAR that aren’t from the South, then there are people who are from southern states.
Recently I had a reader make a comment to me (and I’m paraphrasing) about how they didn’t know if they felt comfortable attending a race in the South because of this perceived racism. My first reaction is to vehemently defend the sport and tell them that I will pay them $1,000 if someone treats them badly while attending a race. I’ve never had a bad experience at a race as a fan, and except for the occasional Confederate flag, I’ve yet to see a prejudiced act committed by one fan against another; but again, I’m white.
But my next feeling is one of sadness. It bothers me that in a time where we have an African American man running this country that somebody would feel hesitant about attending a major sporting event for fear of not being accepted. There is no reason why someone who considers themself a race fan shouldn’t feel 1,000,000% welcome at any race track from Washington to South Carolina.
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Kenny- There are actually quite a few black crew members. Off the top of my head I can’t give you a specific number, but they are out there. NASCAR is also stepping up this recruiting with the D4D program. I believe Phil Horton, a black pit crew coach, is leading the effort for NASCAR. An interesting note, when Brendan Gaughan was running his own team he had several D4D crew members working for him (here is an article about it: http://www.nascar.com/2007/news/headlines/truck/02/18/bhm.bgaughan.pit.crew/index.html). I remember one of those recruits was Chris Justice, a former football player. I believe he is a carrier on the Front Row Nationwide car. On top of that there are several black and female NASCAR officials throughout all three series. While it is true these positions are still predominately white and male, there is definitely a lot more diversity then there has ever been.
As far as Toyota goes, the only prominent opposition you saw for that (at least that I can recall) was from Jack Roush. And his concern wasn’t that it was a Japanese automaker, but that they would come in an spend like they have in F1.
I don’t by any means think NASCAR is perfect. We still have a long way to go; but I think there is very good progress being made. It is unfair to take an isolated incident like this and say this is the norm.
Well, as we can see from the comments here, race has nothing to do with humans wanting to sling mud at each other, LOL. I am white, and I am guessing it other whites yelling at me, what should we call that?
When I made up the word “Bloggist”, I was trying to add some humor, to show how silly lables are. It seems, it is now fashionable to call someone racist, and then get all uppity about it. The sad part is, these humans are just being abusive, and race has nothing to do with it.
These days it feels like people are angry, and people are mad, but if bashing others, on any topic, makes them feel better, then I feel sorry for them. People are just being mean to other people, and race has nothing to do with it.
When one person abuses another person, you can make up what ever word you want for it, but when one person happens to be a different color, then it ieasy to call that racist, when really, it is just humans being mean and abusive humans.
I suppose, sometimes, that even my comments may seem abusive. So please, Journo and TC, feel free to delete any of my comments which you feel are out of line, and I will not protest ( too much;). My only intent is to add to the conversation, but I can make mistakes, and I know sometimes I can cross the line.
PS
I really like your web site, it is one of the very few I even bother posting to.
Kenny – I am not sure how you are coming up with…”TC – If you don’t think there’s racism in NASCAR…”
TC said, “Racism is an unfortunate reality in this country. It happens everywhere, everyday. And NASCAR isn’t immune to that.”
Seems pretty clear to me that he is saying there is racism in NASCAR. He also uses the phrase “unfortunate reality” which also implies he upset that racism exists.
I also think you are off base by thinking there is any concerted effort to exclude African-American pit crew recruits. Yes, there might be somebody that is making their decision based on race (hence the unfortunate reality phrase). But, I think the vast majority of teams want the best 7 people they can get…regardless of race/origin/gender.
Journo… spot on. With the exception of drivers NASCAR has many minorities and females in all levels of the sport, and they are increasing in numbers each year.
Drivers are an entirely different animal.
You can teach someone to carry a gascan or change a tire, you can teach someone the ins & outs of the Mythical NASCAR Rule Book so they can professionally conduct themselves as a race official, but you can’t teach someone to be a driver.
You can give him or her the chance that’s all you can do.
What they do with that opportunity is entirely up to the individual.
Thanks Garry. You’re comments are fine. My earlier comment was not directed necessarily at you. I can see this thread starting to spiral though, and I am hoping everyone can play nice with everyone.
Hey Knobcreekfan-Thanks and right on.
to Marc-as TC or Journo would say, please read before responding. BTW Last I looked I agree Ambrose is not a woman or a minority, but he is of another national origin (see neon post #20). NASCAR and fans alike could have easily shunned Marcos for being ferenner from down under. But all have come to realize Marcos is talented racer, with a cool accent and first class guy that gave up his top status in Australian SuperCars to persue the American dream of racing stock cars in the good old US of A. He has woked damn hard at it and didn’t win a contest or have an avenue through a “program” to pave his way.
OBTW Sorry if I offended w/ an invite to Statistics and probabilities 101. Geeeesh…looks like we need a refresher course once again…later gator!
T.C. and Journo,
A big mea culpa from me. I was not aware of any of the D4 members on Pit Row. It’s interesting that NASCAR and the press aren’t making more of this, especially in light of the Mauricia Grant lawsuit.
I’ll be more careful before I spout off in the future.
West Coast Kenny
Alameda, California
McKenzie – I find it funny that you use golf as your example of inviting an unbiased environment. Please do not forget that until 1990, Tiger could not have been a member in several of the clubs on the tour. Some of the clubs dropped their tour event so they did not have to (gasp…) actually allow black members into their clubs. And to this day, Augusta National (home of one of the most prestigious events in the world) does not allow women members.
Neon – “OBTW Sorry if I offended w/ an invite to Statistics and probabilities 101. Geeeesh…looks like we need a refresher course once again…later gator! “
A refresher? No, not needed, in fact those stats are an argument why more minorities aren’t involved at the driver level of the sport.
With less involved at all levels the chances of them entering the sport at the top level is far less.
And for those that made the assertion that major sponsors are part of the problem, it’s possible but anecdotal evidence suggests that’s not true.
You mention Bill Lester, Dodge poured a butt load of cash into his NASCAR efforts.
As much as you dislike a “program,” the Drive for Diversity is paying dividends.
Michael Cherry is sponsored by Nationwide, Jaun Pitta won this past weekend and is sponsored by Copart, Paul Harraka has Dominos and Briggs and Stratten as sponsors etc.
knobcreekfan……I know about Tiger
I reference Tiger Woods because he exists and succeeds in the sport of golf, and is the first sports billionaire.
I am associated with one of the clubs which was unkind to Tiger, early on, and now they beg him…….really beg him to play their tournament. Tiger, of course, has the last laugh as he says NO every year.
At least Tiger is out in the world for all to see, like him or not.
If NASCAR had a Tiger…..well just think about it.
What was watched more, over the last several days?
Golf or NASCAR
Tiger turned pro in 1997.
NASCAR has been making excuses since the days of bootlegging.
So be it.
FORE !
Marc-You truly do exhaust me. Do ya suppose, even for a minute that any of those talented drivers you mention would have a fair shot w/o a program? I do! Simply because they are exactly that….talented and put their nose to the grindstone.
BTW looks like my self promoted Taz Marcos impressed yesterday. That’s all him, and his team of course. And Little Debbie.
Listen, I don’t doubt that NASCAR’s diversity program doesn’t bring awareness through other cultures and genders. That we can agree on. What I do not favor is a quota or even worse a passover of a talent because he, or she is ineligible because they do not fit a diversity profile. Everyone into the same pot and the best rise to the next level.
McKenzie – please do not misunderstand me….I like Tiger. And maybe I misunderstood you, but I gathered that you are less interested in NASCAR because they do not have African-American drivers…and more interested in golf because they have one. My point is only that I just do not think golf is a great example of a sport that is doing a great job of bringing up players of color and welcoming them with open arms.
Shoot, you give your own example of people not being nice to him. Then you have Tiger getting ready to become the youngest player to win the Masters and you have Fuzzy making his comments. Not the emotionally charged situation as you have here, but very inappropriate comments anyway. Again, not welcomed with open arms.
Yes, I wish NASCAR had a Tiger. And believe me, NASCAR wishes NASCAR had a Tiger.
But…
PGA Tour got very lucky that (as history will likely show) the best player in the history of the sport happens to be of color. PGA Tour did nothing to bring him along. They were not there at 4-5-6 years-old to get him trained. They did nothing to subsidize him growing up. He was handed to them.
Tiger was not 1 of 5/10/20/30/100 African-American players that PGA Tour was working through the ranks. As far as I know, Tiger is the only African-American player on the tour. Am I right? If PGA Tour is so great and welcoming, where are the others? If they are not there, why aren’t they there. Why are you not outraged?
If NASCAR was the only racing series that did not have African-Americans drivers and all of the others had lots, I would say, “yes, you are correct, it is NASCAR’s fault. And they get what they deserve.” However, if you look around at IRL, USAC, ALMS, WoO, etc.. they are just not there. There is one in F1 and a few in different ranks in NHRA. But certainly not in abundance.
Back to my local drag strip. Of the 30-35 kids, there were zero kids of color. No African-Americans, no Hispanics, no Asians. Clearly this is not NASCAR’s fault.
I will not give you the argument that there are not tracks in Harlem/Compton or they are too poor. I have several families of color that live on my street. The drag strip is closer to us than the soccer fields. They have plenty of money to go racing. However, their kids (17 kids from 7 families) have chosen soccer, lacrosse, football, baseball,volleyball & tennis. Not racing. Again, not NASCAR’s fault.
So back to TC’s original point…NASCAR is not perfect, but no worse than most other industries/sports.
This is obviously a very sensitive subject, and rightly so. However, why does it always go back to the color of our skin? It appears that the subject is only a sensitive one when the one that feels there is an unjustice is African American. Do you ever hear a white man declare in a sport of dominate African American that he has been treated unfairly? It seems that minority is used when it best suits the African American and the white man just has to accept an unjustice, or a direct disagreement, as “the heat of the moment”.
When two white male drivers have a difference of opinion and words are exchanged, there are calls to the hauler, things are dealt with and the life goes on. But, let the same comments made between one black male and one white male and the outcome should be entirely different and the situation is unacceptable?
Race cars do not care about the color of the skin of those who work on it and drive it, we should not care either.
Women at the track do not complain about some of the sponsor women’s dress, or lack of, they have made the decision to accept it or not go. However, in contrast to that, the color of skin is something that we are born with and cannot change, we should all accept that.
Everyone on this board has one thing in common (NASCAR) and it has brought all of us to one spot, no matter what the color of skin, I hope everyone can keep that in mind when commenting back and forth to each other.
Stacy
neon – “Marc-You truly do exhaust me. “
Apparently not, you keep answering my comments.
“BTW looks like my self promoted Taz Marcos impressed yesterday. That’s all him, and his team of course. And Little Debbie.”
Been impressed with the Devil Racer since his first V8 championship. And as a sidenote his protegee in V8′s Jamie Whincup may be headed to NASCAR.
“What I do not favor is a quota or even worse a passover of a talent because he, or she is ineligible because they do not fit a diversity profile.”
So tell me where that’s happened in the last 15-20 years.
Arguing a hypothetical gets you nowhere least of all me.
Let’s all agree to disagree and resume our wonderful interaction when the playing field has been leveled and “white men do not have to simply endure injustice when they play in predominantly Black sports and make millions of dollars while being abused and upstaged. Hello STACY !
Yes….
Let’s talk again in perhaps….NEVER.
That’s when I predict there will be a Black NASCAR Cup driver.
NEVER.
I am right, arent’t I ?
Back to golf. It is integrated. SMILE Go Tiger !
Regards to all, in appreciation of the most intelligent interaction.
M.
Out
P.S. Someone told me the “white half” of Obama is President.
“Rationalization is bliss…”
Marc-Do you consider this a hypothetical situation? I am white, a male, a US citizen, I have no physical handicaps, married w/ family and I am financially independent. Am I entitled to be a part of NASCARs diversity program as a candidate? If so, please let me know how to apply and actually be considered. Hmmmm….hypothetical???
In the end we both seem to agree that motorsports is “the” sport of choice. Fenders or not, tin tops or open cockpit, paved or not, US or foreign soil……may the red mist live!
Sorry Mckenzie, I like Golf and love race as well, but the anology just isn’t there for me. Wheter it’s Tiger, Tony Dungy, Frank Robinson, Obama or Michael Jordan I am sure they would all trade the label “first man of color to….” and replace it w/ “the best at their game…..period”.
As I quoted earlier: “You limit a great man by bringing race into his accomplishments. Integrity has no color. Character has no color…..”
Neon:
Money has a color……and it’s not black.
Mckenzie – “Let’s talk again in perhaps….NEVER.
That’s when I predict there will be a Black NASCAR Cup driver.”
Don’t watch much NASCAR do you?
Here’s a clue look-up the name Marc Davis and while your at it look for the Cuban-American driver Aric Almirola.
I do believe they are both in NASCAR and both are in what is generally called minority races.
Neon you didn’t answer the question, here let me repeat it:
So tell me where that’s happened in the last 15-20 years?
Just to be clear that’s in ref to your apparent belief there may be some sort of a quota or capable drivers have been passed in favor of a minority.
You contention that your not eligible for the Drive for Diversity Program is nothing but a dodge.
Bet you’re not qualed for food stamps, aid to dependent children or an Obama bailout either, so what.
Fair enough Mckenzie. You tell me the individual men or women of color you wish to succeed in NASCAR. If this person of your choosing is IMHO worthy and capable of being the best of all racers, I will pull for them 100% regardless of origin. Let’s be specific here and not generic.
BTW I pull for talent and determination and spirit above all anyway.
McKenzie – I am fine with agreeing to disagree. However, my main point for you is, be careful. Don’t bury your head in the sand and think golf is and will always be integrated.
You have one player. There was no system in place to groom Tiger in the first place. There is no system in place to groom the next Tiger. When Tiger is gone, everyone is going to wonder what happened…we WERE integrated.
Quick story…there is a saying in sports, “a win fixes everything.” Team morale gets better, player confidence improves, ticket sales increase, etc…
I was involved with a race team that was performing really bad. We had most of the tools in place that we should have been doing better though. Most fingers pointed to the crew cheif. The team owners refused to make any changes to the organization though.
Sponsor was upset and talking about not renewing. Driver was upset and was not going to renew. Several crew guys were upset and looking for jobs. It was ugly.
Well the owners finally agreed that we needed to make some changes. That was the morning of a race. “Let’s get home and do it all tomorrow.” However, we won that day. It was a fuel mileage race.
We never should have won that race. We were a lap down the whole day. The crew chief even called the driver in for fuel with 5 to go. The driver was so ticked, he ignored him.
The checkers fly and everybody is happy. One owner says to me, “see, we just needed a little patience.” All of the problems we had 5 hours earlier we magically fixed. So no changes were made. We live happily ever after…
Or until we run like crap the next 16 races. Sponsor switches teams. Driver leaves. Most of the crew left. By the end of the following year, the team is out of business.
Golf has a big win in Tiger. No doubt about it. But nothing changed in the fundamentals of the system to ensure Tiger is not a fluke.
Second point, money cannot buy you happiness or talent. Bill Lester had a BUNCH of financial support from Dodge. Willy T Ribbs had a BUNCH of backing from Bill Cosby. Neither had much talent.
Still no answer NEON?
Still looking for that mythical driver that was passed over for a minority driver?
Marc-I truly am sorry for the delay. Pardon me for work and coaching my baseball team today has tugged me away from the computer.
As far as answering your question (at first I thought your were calling me a “Dodge” fan LOL) here goes. Answer: Me, the kid down the street just like me, the kid winning races at my local short track just like me, the kid just like me that has the most talent I’ve seen in a while, but just doesn’t have the financial means to advance. Is he, or she eligible for D4D I ask you yet again? Is that a hypothical answer or real situation I ask you? Hypothetical? Nope. Real? You betcha and it happens every day.
Forgive me if I don’t get the title correct, as I admitedly cannot find your original post on the TNI last month, where You mentioned being the top blogger of the NASCAR internet, or something of the sort. Question: is that self imposed or sanctioned by a group. I honestly do not know.
Reason being? You demand my immediate response? Hmmmm that’s is just plain sillyness. I have other things to do and hope that you do well.
Now, back to my question of you….Ummmmm….last week (#56 above). Last time I looked Marcos Ambrose “is” of another National Origin which is what I mentioned. No comprehendo?
Hey I have a grand idea. Remember the Red Bull search where drivers were selected based on talent and marketability…soley? Now you are an educated and knowledgeable gear-head, from what I’ve read, but that was a pretty good crop of talent (Scott Speed, Paul Edwards, etc) wasn’t it? And guess what? No strings attached. OK maybe youthful age.
Guess it’s time to move on…… and BTW you don’t have to respond to the Marcos deal. I like te fact that we both appreciated Australian V8 Supercup! Later gator…
NEON – HUH?!
That 1st para is an answer? No it’s nonsense, and another dodge of the question.
My lilly-white butt isn’t eligible for the D4D program either, so what. You keep trying to classify D4D as some sort of quota system and it’s not.
It just allows them access to better equipment in some cases, better sponsors and most importantly higher profile with regards to the press.
The program guarantees nothing beyond that.
“Forgive me if I don’t get the title correct, as I admitedly cannot find your original post on the TNI last month, where You mentioned being the top blogger of the NASCAR internet, or something of the sort.”
Did you really have to ask, or really have to search for a past post here to find the answer?
Wouldn’t it have been easier to click on my name, then on the blog page entitled “Accolades?”
Yeah, I just made it all up. /sarcasm tags not optional.
The biggest problem with NASCAR is NOT racism, it is: (1) there are too many cars on the track in races, making it too hard to watch the races, (2) only a few top drivers dominate, especially Jimmy Johnson whose 4 consecutive titles are starting to make the sport lose its legitimacy vs., say, the NFL, (3) too many of the races look the same, just cars playing “follow the leader” going around in circles (only 2 road course races in 30+ events is ridiculous, and it illustrates the stubbornness of the corn-poke Southerners who run NASCAR and refuse to give it a little variety), (4) there are absolutely NO NASCAR races at all in the Pacific Northwest.
Until all of these issues are fixed, NASCAR will continue to be considered a fringe sport by most.
“I think it’s interesting though that some people are calling Berry a racist and connecting him to NASCAR’s southern roots, yet Berry isn’t even from the South! He’s actually a native of South Florida…” Correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t Florida a southern state?
Andrew: Geographically, yes. But visit South Florida, and then go to Charlotte, Columbia, Atlanta, Knoxville, or Birmingham and tell me how it compares…