When two veteran ex-NASCAR drivers get together and talk about their good old days, never-said-before stories are bound to be dug out from the depths of time. Something that attracts the fans of NASCAR more than the races themselves is controversy. And NASCAR thrives in controversies. Recently, Kyle Petty opened up about a certain practice that used to be followed religiously at NASCAR that even the longtime fans might not know.
NASCAR has predominantly been a sport for men. However, in recent times, even women are taking an active part in NASCAR’s top-tier racing series. Drivers like Hailie Deegan and Natalie Decker are prime examples of that. But the practice that Petty talked to Kenny Wallace about started right behind the garage, let alone considering driving a stock car.
Kyle Petty spills out NASCAR’s misogynistic traits back in the day
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In a recent episode of the Kenny Wallace show, the host reflected on how the NASCAR in the 1970s did not allow women to even enter the garage area. Kyle Petty agreed and recalled a very intriguing incident that had happened when Kyle Petty was in his late 30s.
Veteran driver and businessman, the late Dick Brooks had a sponsor who had a female Vice president. And moments before a race, the lady wanted to go down to the garage and take a look at the car that her company was funding.
To the utter disbelief of Kenny Wallace, Kyle Petty said, “This is back in late 70s, maybe early 80s…and she couldn’t get in the garage area to see a car. Her company was spending hundreds and thousands of dollars!”
Watch this story: Kenny Wallace’s “Dumb Mother****er” Rant Left Dale Earnhardt Jr Panicking in Front of Wife Amy
With a mixed expression of awe and amusement, Kenny Wallace exclaimed, “Hold up, let me back it up! NASCAR did not allow ladies?”
Kyle Petty repeated after Kenny, “NASCAR didn’t allow women in the garage area.”
“Here is a corporation that is sponsoring a car in the elite NASCAR series. And the woman who is in charge of the finances for that company can’t get in the garage area to see the car because they don’t allow women and that’s just the way the sport was,” he added as both started laughing.
However, NASCAR has come a long way since the ages when they did not allow women inside the garage. NASCAR has even taken initiatives to include minorities and women in its wing.
D4D: NASCAR’s initiative that gives women ample exposure to the arenas of NASCAR
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NASCAR is an organization that now believes in inclusion. NASCAR makes no distinction between race, color, creed, or gender. When you are sitting behind a 700 HP stock car, you are just a driver whose sole motive is to win a race. Keeping its values in mind, the 2004 season of NASCAR brought about an exclusive program for minorities and women who were interested in pursuing a career in NASCAR.
This Drive for Diversity program, better known as D4D, is an internship for 12 individuals for everything from business to technical positions.
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Applications are now open for the 2022 NASCAR Diversity Internship Program! #NDIP22 | https://t.co/ycPdb0dBUO pic.twitter.com/K7qNXRLifC
— NASCAR Drive for Diversity (@NASCARDiversity) November 15, 2021
The course of the internship starts with an orientation in Charlotte, North Carolina. However, this is restricted to people who can relocate to the said location with long-term visas. The interns will get the chance to experience NASCAR races from a driver’s perspective. Besides that, they will also receive the opportunity to visit the NASCAR Hall of Fame, tour race teams and even meet with industry executives.
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Moreover, there are faculties for weekly lunch, where the interns get to learn from NASCAR executives and program alumni.