Fast Facts: Drive For Diversity 2012

The 2012 Drive for Diversity Class.
Credit: Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity Program was created in 2004 and has seen more than 30 drivers progress through the driver development program, providing driving opportunities for female and minority drivers with Rev Racing (formerly Revolution Racing). Among its graduates: IndyCar team owner Sarah Fisher (when she made the jump to NASCAR), Paulie Harraka (the first to win a race for the program), Joe Gibbs Racing driver Darrell Wallace Jr. and Sergio Pena. In 2012, there are six drivers in the program – here’s a quick look at the team.

• Mackena Bell is in her fourth year with the program, third with Rev Racing. She’ll be competing in the Whelen All-American Late Model Series and the K&N Pro Series East in 2012.
• Jorge Arteaga returns for a second season, competing in the K&N Pro Series East in 2012. In 2011 he competed in the Late Model Series as well as the NASCAR Mexico Series, where he earned the Most Popular Driver award.
• Trey Gibson, also in his second year with the team, will return to the Whelen All-American Late Model Series in 2012; his team finished seventh in points in the Series’ South Carolina standings in 2011.
• Ryan Gifford is in his third season with the Drive for Diversity, competing in the K&N Pro Series East in 2012. In 2010, he became the first African-American in series history to win a pole.
• Bryan Ortiz is in his second season and will compete in the K&N Pro Series East in 2012; he’ll also compete in selected GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge races.
• Kyle Larson is the rookie on the team and will compete in the K&N Pro Series East; in 2011, he became the first driver to win in the World of Outlaws sprint car series and in all three USAC divisions in one season.

Find out more about the Drive for Diversity at http://www.nascardiversity.com/.