May 13 To Involve Minority Youth In Motorsports
MOORESVILLE, N.C. – The challenge of involving minority youth in
motorsports is being addressed with an innovative "One Race, One
World; Racing for Diversity" national kart racing and educational tour
aimed at involving minority youth in motorsports, beginning at The Pit
Indoor Kart Racing in Mooresville May 13 and May 21. The first race
will be at 5 p.m. on May 13, with a preview news conference for the
media at 1 p.m.
"The goal of One Race, One World is to provide a safe and fun
motorsports environment coupled with activities that today's youth can
relate to, while seeking minority talent that can be nurtured for
future growth," said Terrance Cox, president of Activersity, one of
the event's co-sponsors. "Historically there have been very few
African-Americans, Hispanics or other minorities in the automotive
racing world, and this has been a concern to many people, especially
in light of their achievements in other sports. We are trying to
address this gap with an innovative program appealing to youth in a
number of ways."
One Race, One World was created by Activersity, a Cornelius marketing
firm specializing in diversity programs, and by The Pit in
Mooresville, a 100,000-square-foot indoor kart racing track and family
entertainment center at 346 East Plaza Dr. off Highway 150 in
Mooresville, the largest indoor kart racing track in the nation. Buck
Baker Racing School of Charlotte is the official driving school and
instructional resource for the program.
"We are excited to participate in this national program to expand
participation in kart racing worldwide and to attract more minority
youth, ages 8 to 15," said Matthew Thompson, co-owner of The Pit. "We
are in discussions with kart racing sites in Boston, Chicago, Las
Vegas, Phoenix and elsewhere to extend the program after it launches
here. Eventually we hope to link up with kart racing facilities in
Europe as well."
In addition to the national tour, One Race, One World; Racing for
Diversity will include:
· Specially recorded music by youth artists in several genres,
available for free download at the website www.OneRaceOneWorld.net and
on MySpace.com
· A series of 60-second videos on YouTube explaining information
about motorsports, how to change oil, how to put on a helmet, how to
get strapped into a race car, and more
· The Touch Program, which places race cars and equipment on
tour so young participants can physically touch the race products and
sense the excitement of racing
· Educational programs and seminars
· Mia Wishing Well - A charitable program that grants wishes to
children across the world
· Global Giving - Products from sponsors and race teams will to
be given to children
· Scholarship Fund - Grants scholarships to children to further
their educations
· Rising Star - Denotes a young adult for these children to
aspire to
"The first 2 events at The Pit will have 30 participants on each day
that will be coming from the Boys and Girls Club of Greater
Charlotte", Thompson said. "In addition to receiving training and
competition in the go-karts, the kids will be treated to motorsports
seminars by Joe Gibbs Racing developmental drivers, Penske Racing
technology experts and the BRAKES Foundation representatives. And
they'll get to meet ARCA driver, Jeff Boyer."
The media preview at 1 p.m. Wednesday will feature participation by:
· OROW representatives Terrance Cox, Don Towne and Matt Thompson
· Boys & Girls Club youth members, counselors, and director
Napoleon Crowell
· Young Kaos and Wavy Space – local musicians featured in the
OROW program
· Representatives of the Buck Baker Racing School
· Jeff Boyer – ARCA driver
· OROW Touch Program equipment and and other motorsports products
One Race, One World (OROW) had an informal preview of The Touch
Program at Oprah Winfrey's Boys and Girls Club in Jackson, Miss., on
April 24th. OROW provided Information and education on the
motorsports industry, along with Larry Veal of "Be-MOE Positive" as a
guest speaker. Also joining in was Thomas Heavey of Buck Baker Racing
School, teaching these youth about the many aspects and opportunities
the motorsports industry holds.
Terrance Cox spoke on the numerous job opportunities and the need to
introduce minorities to the motorsports industry. "The young people
were very excited about this program as were many parents," Cox said.
"Kids were very attentive, enthusiastic and full of questions
regarding motorsports."
All of the children who attended were asked to sign a tire, which will
be sent to Oprah Winfrey, along with a photo album from the event.
Another event is being planned at Oprah's Boys and Girls Club with
hopes Oprah will attend, Cox said.
"This partnership with One Race, One World is a perfect fit for Buck
Baker Racing School," said Thomas Heavey, marketing manager of the
school. "Buck Baker himself founded our program 29 years ago with the
idea of helping young drivers get started in stock car racing. Former
students of our school include Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Ryan Newman
and many more. We are very excited about this partnership and look
forward to making this a growing relationship."
For more information visit www.OneRaceOneWorld.net;
www.Activersity.com; and www.MeetMeAtThePit.com .
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[Media Contact: Buck Lawrimore, 704-332-4344, Buck@Lciweb.com
The Pit Indoor Kart Racing Contact: Don Towne, 704-799-3470, dontowne@pitentertainment.com
Buck Baker Racing School Contact: Thomas Heavey, 704-453-9328, BuckBakerRacing@Gmail.com
]
