The New Face Of NASCAR: 7 Rising Stars And Historic Milestones From The Drive For Diversity Program
The NASCAR Drive for Diversity (D4D) program is the single most important pipeline for emerging talent in motorsports, and as of late 2024 and early 2025, it has delivered some of its most compelling success stories to date. While the program’s official title has recently shifted to the NASCAR Driver Development Program to emphasize performance, its mission—to identify and cultivate the best minority and female drivers and pit crew members—remains the same and is producing historic results on the track. This article dives into the latest class, the alumni who are rewriting the record books, and the comprehensive system that is fundamentally changing the face of stock car racing.
The program, run in collaboration with Rev Racing, celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2024, marking two decades of intentional effort to expand NASCAR’s talent pool. The impact is undeniable, with D4D graduates now competing at the highest levels, securing championships, and making headlines almost weekly. From historic wins in the Craftsman Truck Series to securing full-time rides in the Xfinity and Cup Series, the program is proving that diversity is not just a goal, but a competitive advantage.
The 2024-2025 Drive for Diversity Driver Development Class: Meet the Rising Stars
The most recently announced class of the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Development Program—the 20th anniversary class—features a mix of returning veterans and promising newcomers who competed across the ARCA Menards Series, Late Model Stock, and other regional series throughout 2024. These drivers represent the cutting edge of the sport, having been selected after rigorous evaluation at the Advance Auto Parts Drive for Diversity Combine.
Here is a look at the most prominent drivers from the current group, whose careers are on a rapid ascent into the national spotlight:
- Andrés Pérez de Lara (ARCA Menards Series Champion)
- Biography: A Mexican driver who quickly became one of the program’s biggest success stories in 2024. Pérez de Lara joined Rev Racing for two years in ARCA and made history by becoming the first international driver from the D4D program to win the ARCA Menards Series championship.
- Recent Success: His championship season in 2024 led directly to a major career advancement: a full-time ride in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series for the 2025 season with Spire Motorsports. This is a monumental leap, demonstrating the program's direct pathway to top-tier competition.
- Lavar Scott (ARCA Menards Series)
- Biography: A talented driver who competed full-time in the ARCA Menards Series for Rev Racing in 2024. Scott delivered a stellar season, finishing second in the overall ARCA Menards Series points standings.
- Recent Success: His 2024 season included numerous top-five and top-ten finishes, solidifying his position as a front-runner and a strong contender for a national series ride in the near future.
- Regina Sirvent (Late Model Stock Car)
- Biography: A female driver from Mexico City, Sirvent has been a consistent presence in the youth and Late Model segments of the D4D program. She is focused on developing her skills in the challenging Late Model Stock Car environment.
- Recent Success: Her participation in the Late Model circuit is crucial, as it is a proving ground for drivers looking to move up to the NASCAR national series.
- Nathan Lyons (Youth Development)
- Biography: A promising young talent who has been progressing through the youth ranks of the D4D program. Lyons is a key component of the program's long-term strategy to identify talent at a young age.
- Recent Success: Lyons secured a pole and a win in the 2024 season, demonstrating his potential to follow in the footsteps of previous youth development graduates.
- Eloy Sebastián López Falcón (Late Model/ARCA)
- Biography: Another international talent, Falcón has been gaining experience across various series, utilizing the D4D platform to hone his craft in both Late Models and select ARCA events.
- Lanie Buice (Newcomer)
- Biography: Buice was one of the new drivers selected for the 2024 class after a successful Combine performance, marking her entry into the official D4D development structure.
The Historic Impact: D4D Alumni Changing the National Series
The true measure of the Drive for Diversity program’s success is seen in the top-tier NASCAR national series, where its graduates are now household names and championship contenders. The program has moved far beyond simply providing opportunities; it is consistently producing elite-level talent.
The list of notable alumni is a roster of modern NASCAR stars:
- Kyle Larson: The 2021 NASCAR Cup Series Champion, Larson was the first D4D graduate to win a Premier Series title.
- Bubba Wallace: A two-time Cup Series race winner and one of the most recognizable figures in the sport. Wallace is a fierce competitor and a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion.
- Daniel Suárez: The first Mexican driver to win a NASCAR national series championship (2016 Xfinity Series) and a NASCAR Cup Series race winner.
- Rajah Caruth: The most recent success story, Caruth became just the third Black driver in NASCAR national series history to win a race when he claimed a victory in the Craftsman Truck Series in 2024. His success is a direct testament to the foundational support provided by the D4D program, which he has called his "saving grace."
These drivers are not just participants; they are leaders who have fundamentally reshaped the competitive landscape of the sport. Their achievements serve as powerful inspiration and proof of concept for the current class of drivers and the program’s long-term vision.
Beyond the Cockpit: The Drive for Diversity Pit Crew Development Program
While the drivers capture the headlines, the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Pit Crew Development Program (PCDP) is equally vital, focusing on recruiting minority and female athletes from other sports to excel in the high-pressure world of pit road. This program, also operated by Rev Racing, has a track record of transforming former college athletes—often from football, basketball, and track and field—into world-class pit crew members.
The program is a crucial element of the overall diversity strategy, recognizing that every aspect of a race team must reflect a broader talent pool. Since its inception, more than 100 athletes have participated, with over 65 graduates now working full-time across the NASCAR national series.
Key Facts and Successes of the Pit Crew Program:
- Recruitment Strategy: The PCDP actively recruits high-level college athletes, leveraging their existing physical conditioning, teamwork, and competitive drive. The program understands that the skills required for a fast pit stop—explosive movement, precision, and quick thinking—are transferable from other sports.
- Historic Milestones: The program was instrumental in powering the first all-Black pit crew in NASCAR history, a significant milestone that highlighted the depth of talent being developed.
- Notable Members: Athletes like Hadji Gaylord, a former football player from Norfolk State, are examples of the caliber of talent the program attracts, proving that a background in traditional motorsports is not a prerequisite for success.
- Comprehensive Training: Pit crew members undergo intensive training focused on tire changing, jacking, fueling, and overall race strategy, preparing them for the intense environment of a national series pit stop.
The continued success of the Pit Crew Development Program ensures that diversity is embedded in every facet of a race team, from the driver behind the wheel to the athlete changing the tire. This holistic approach is what makes the overall NASCAR Drive for Diversity program a sustainable and powerful force for change in the sport.
The Future of Diversity in Motorsports
As the NASCAR Drive for Diversity program continues its evolution—now often referred to as the NASCAR Driver Development Program—its influence will only grow. The 2024-2025 season has already seen a D4D champion move into a full-time national series ride, providing a clear, recent example of the program's efficacy.
The commitment from NASCAR, Rev Racing, and corporate partners like Chevrolet and Advance Auto Parts ensures that the pipeline of diverse talent remains robust. With a focus on identifying young talent, nurturing their skills through structured competition, and providing direct pathways to the top levels of the sport, the D4D program is not just a diversity initiative; it is a fundamental pillar of NASCAR's competitive future. Fans can expect to see more D4D graduates challenging for wins and championships in the years to come, further cementing the program's legacy.
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