NASCAR: THE WEEKEND

Since its inception as the Strictly Stock Division, what is now the NASCAR Cup Series has evolved into one of the most popular sports in the world.

Although bearing a legendary history among most Americans, the history of NASCAR is not a popular sport about among people of color. From access to economics the culture of the race has not been one shared among all since its' conception in 1947. Quite frankly, no person of color had entered the race until 1961 when Wendell Scott broke the barrier. His story has been a light for many others such as the most current drivers Bubba Wallace and Rajah Caruth.

Over the years Nascar has faced many lawsuits of racism and discrimination to include its most notable cases by basketball great, Michael Jordan.With diversity and inclusion initiatives across the board being dismanted or re-assigned, the high-profile case with Michael Jordan sent NASCAR to the top of the headlines. Defnitely a step in the right direction.

On March 29th Martinsville held its Cookout 400 Cup Series and I was among the crowd. The 400 lapper also known as the paperclip was an experience for the books. Also for the cooks, Martinsville hotdog is known as the official NASCAR hotdog and is an experience in itself. The race was won by Chase Elliott.

Although this was my first checkered flag it will not be my last. With the success of team 23 XL owned by Michael Jordan I am now an official fan. Representation matters and progress has been made. Onward.