The 909 Group, which manages the Drive for Diversity initiative, is now accepting applications from experienced drivers for the 2011 race season. This will mark the eighth season for NASCAR’s leading driver development program, which provides opportunities for minority and female drivers to compete in one of NASCAR’s premier developmental series.

“The Drive for Diversity Testing & Evaluation Combine presented by Sunoco is an integral part of the D4D initiative,” said Max Siegel, Chief Executive Officer of The 909 Group. “We expanded the evaluation process for our drivers last year and have seen tremendous growth in the caliber of talent and competition in the D4D program as a result. We expect to have the bar raised even higher at this year’s Combine.”

Interested minority and female drivers are invited to submit their applications to The 909 Group. Selected applicants will be invited to participate in the 2010 Drive for Diversity Testing & Evaluation Combine presented by Sunoco. The event will be hosted by The 909 Group in October 2010.

Drivers invited to the Combine will showcase their skills before a panel of motorsports experts in an effort to earn an opportunity to compete with the Drive for Diversity initiative for the 2011 season. Drivers who have demonstrated their skill and have experience in grassroots racing will be considered.

Marcus Jadotte, Managing Director of Public Affairs for NASCAR, who oversees the sanctioning body’s diversity initiatives said, “NASCAR is proud that Drive for Diversity is one of the most aggressive competition-based diversity programs in all of sports.  After a history making season which saw the successful adoption of an “academy-style” format, we are looking forward to identifying the 2011 class of women and minority competitors to continue this great on-track tradition at the Testing & Evaluation Combine presented by Sunoco.”

The Drive for Diversity program is in its seventh season and is NASCAR’s leading on-track diversity initiative. The program adopted a new academy-style training program in 2010, with greater focus on driver testing and training. The new model has already yielded impressive results, with Drive for Diversity competitor Darrell Wallace, Jr., becoming the youngest driver and first African American to win a race in NASCAR K&N Pro Series East history. Ryan Gifford also made history for the Drive for Diversity program, becoming the first African American to win a pole in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East.

Interested drivers should visit DriveforDviersity.com to download a program application. Please note that applicant resumes and supporting materials will not be returned.