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DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 16: Bubba Wallace, driver of the #23 McDonald’s Toyota, speaks to the media during the NASCAR Cup Series 64th Annual Daytona 500 Media Day at Daytona International Speedway on February 16, 2022 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
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DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 16: Bubba Wallace, driver of the #23 McDonald’s Toyota, speaks to the media during the NASCAR Cup Series 64th Annual Daytona 500 Media Day at Daytona International Speedway on February 16, 2022 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
Contrary to their on-track performances, Bubba Wallace and the 23XI Racing team are keeping up the good work off track. It was recently announced that Dr Pepper and 23XI SPEED Institute Tuition Program will return this year as well.
This program is aimed at providing $5,000 to 23 college students who are pursuing their studies in a discipline related to motorsports.
Dr. Pepper has already awarded upwards of $13 million to aspiring motorsports professionals since 2008. And this will be the second year of their association with Wallace’s team, for what really is, a noble cause.
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“23XI Racing was founded with more in mind than just being competitive on the racetrack, and the Dr. Pepper Tuition Program continues to be a key example of the impact our team and our partners are dedicated to making within the motorsports industry,” Steve Lauletta, the President of 23XI Racing said.
“Together with the support of Dr. Pepper, we have provided valuable financial assistance to students and significant job experience for interns through the SPEED Institute. We look forward to the opportunity to assist more students this year as 23XI and our partners continue to positively impact the motorsports industry.”
The @drpepper 23XI SPEED Institute Tuition Program is back for year two! The tuition program provides $5,000 each to 23 college students pursuing their interest in a career in the motorsports industry, and two tuition recipients will receive an internship with 23XI. More below!
— 23XI Racing (@23XIRacing) March 31, 2022
The impact of Bubba Wallace as a role model and inspiration for young drivers
The coming weekend in NASCAR is set to be a historic one in terms of representation in the sport. Rajah Caruth, a black driver, will make his Xfinity Series debut.
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Speaking ahead of his first start in NASCAR, Caruth described the importance of representation “especially” for minorities, calling this opportunity, “extremely important.”
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FONTANA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 27: Bubba Wallace, driver of the #23 Wheaties Toyota, waves to fans as he walks onstage during driver intros prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Wise Power 400 at Auto Club Speedway on February 27, 2022 in Fontana, California. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
The 19-year-old continued, “Like, [with] how important [Cup Series driver] Bubba Wallace and [Formula 1 champion] Lewis [Hamilton] were to me as I grew up, seeing them do it made me believe that I could and chase my passion.”
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“I know the responsibility that brings, and I welcome it.”
