Brehanna Daniels: Pioneering a Path in NASCAR
Brehanna Daniels, a former basketball player from Norfolk State University, has made history by becoming the first Black woman pit member in NASCAR.
This remarkable achievement came as a surprise to Daniels, who never imagined herself pursuing a career in the predominantly white and male-dominated world of stock car racing.
Recruited by NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity program in 2016, Daniels quickly proved her athletic prowess and adaptability, transitioning from the basketball court to the high-speed pit crew. Her skills as a point guard made her an ideal fit for the fast-paced demands of NASCAR, and she embraced the opportunity to break down barriers in the sport.
Overcoming Skepticism and Paving the Way for Diversity
When Daniels first joined NASCAR, she admitted to feeling “a little nervous” about entering a sport she knew little about, one that was traditionally associated with Caucasian males.
However, the realization that she would be making history as the first Black woman pit member motivated her to take on the challenge.
“Once I found out that I was going to be the first Black woman, I’m like, wait. At this point, it’s much bigger than me,” Daniels shared.
This sentiment drove her to be a role model and inspiration for young Black girls and women, encouraging them to pursue their dreams in the world of professional car racing.
NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity and the Road Ahead
Brehanna Daniels’ historic accomplishment was a testament to NASCAR’s efforts to increase diversity and inclusion within the sport.
The organization’s Drive for Diversity program, led by Max Siegel, has been instrumental in recruiting and training a new generation of female and minority pit crew members.
“Brehanna was one of those who embraced it, came through the program, excelled,” Siegel, NASCAR’s first highest-ranking Black executive, said of Daniels’ journey. Since 2009, the program has trained 75 gender and ethnically diverse candidates for NASCAR’s pit crews, with Daniels being a shining example of its success.
Overcoming Adversity and Embracing Progress
Despite the progress made, Daniels has faced some negativity and skepticism during her time in NASCAR. She recalls encountering comments such as “Oh, she sucks,” and “What does it matter that she’s Black?” However, Daniels is determined to tune out the naysayers and focus on the positive impact she can have.
“There’s always room for improvement,” Daniels said, acknowledging that NASCAR still has work to do in terms of racial inclusion.
Nonetheless, she remains proud of the organization’s efforts and the growth she has witnessed, stating, “I love to see the growth, and I’m really super, super proud of NASCAR. They’ve definitely come a long way.”
