My friend Marquita James is not a NASCAR fan. Far from it, in fact.
Is BET’s ‘Changing Lanes’ Show Working Already?
So when she told me last week that she had accidentally stumbled upon the new BET series Changing Lanes – and watched the whole thing – I thought it was significant.
Sure, it’s only one person. But it’s important because Changing Lanes focuses on NASCAR’s diversity program and is targeted at getting the African-American audience – James among them – to understand that the sport wants to include them, too.
To hear James tell it, the show is already achieving its goal.
“Before, NASCAR was essentially thought of as a ‘white’ sporting event,’” James said of her attitude. “I applaud NASCAR’s effort because as a young African-American woman, I’m excited to see that they have given the opportunity to compete to black drivers and even a few young ladies on the show.”
James, 28, said the show has started to change some of her preconceived notions about racing. She said she never realized before that "the opportunity to participate starts way before getting your license at 16 and almost wrecking the family car."
"I never thought of the sport as more than driving around in a circle, but with increasing knowledge...I've learned that NASCAR racing involves true talent," she said. "Not anyone can just get out on the course and win a race."
That may sound elementary to longtime fans, but James' feelings about NASCAR are commonplace with those people who haven't followed racing closely.
The last time I recall speaking to James about NASCAR, she was asking me about the Mauricia Grant lawsuit. So if the BET show is already helping to make a positive impression on an entirely untapped group of potential fans, it can only be a good thing for the sport.
The show won't be a cure-all for NASCAR's image problem with minorities, though. James, for example, doesn't have any plans to start watching the races every week.
For her, there's still something missing.
"There's no diversity with the drivers and commentators," she said. "Let's call it the ‘Comfort Factor.'"
James said it's "helpful" to see NASCAR supporting minorities, but said what would really get her attention is a successful black driver.
"If there is a new black driver that starts dominating some races," she said, "I guarantee NASCAR will get the black audience they are hoping for."
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