Big Investment: $10 Million Devoted to Female NASCAR Drivers
It’s the BIG INVESTMENT of 2022. Seven female drivers will be a part of the new sponsorship program by Busch Light and NASCAR. While NASCAR racing is open to both men and women at all levels of the sport, it’s no secret the leading level of stock car racing is absent of female competitors.
Danica Patrick was the last female driver to race the top level of NASCAR from 2012-2018. But now, Busch Light has announced the creation of the Busch Light Accelerate Her Program. The donation will bring sponsorship funding to every female (21 and over) driver over the next three years.
Busch Light has launched a three-year, $10-million commitment to provide female drivers aged 21 and over in NASCAR more funding, track time, media exposure and training.
Now, that’s a BIG investment.
Busch Light Accelerate Her Program
Busch press states, “This first-of-its-kind program is focused on addressing the one number that needs the most attention in NASCAR – zero women drivers are currently competing in the sport’s highest level. As one of the only large-scale sports organizations where women and men compete directly, accelerating gender equality in NASCAR presents a major and immediate opportunity to advance diversity in sports, both today and for future generations.”
“Busch Light has been an iconic sponsor in NASCAR for decades and we’ve been lucky to witness some of the greatest women drivers in history, but it can’t be argued that the NASCAR Cup Series field is dominated by male drivers,” stated Krystyn Stowe, senior brand director of Busch Family Brands at Anheuser-Busch.
“Through our sponsorship rights and our platform, we’re seizing the opportunity to make historic progress toward gender inclusivity and while the immediate program goals may start here, we hope the sentiment will carry far beyond that, encouraging the broadcast level of inclusivity across all sports.”
The inaugural sponsorship recipients of the program are Toni Breidinger, Natalie Decker, Amber Balcaen, Jennifer Jo Cobb, Brittney Zamora, Stephanie Moyer, and Melissa Fifield. A portion of the $10 million pledge will be reserved as a standing sponsorship fund for up-and-coming talent.
“I know firsthand that women drivers in NASCAR face obstacles in advancing to the highest levels of the sport,” Tony Breidinger stated. “But the track doesn’t know gender, the car doesn’t know gender, so gender is irrelevant. At the end of the day, we’re all drivers on the same track racing towards the same goal. I’m proud to take part in the Busch Light Accelerate Her program alongside other women drivers because it’s not only an incredible new stream of direct support, but it’s the first real step toward spotlighting the gender imbalance.”
NASCAR and Female Drivers
NASCAR press stated, “Busch Light is a leading sponsor who’s paving the way for women drivers to accomplish their dreams of competing at the highest levels of our sport. The Accelerate Her program will provide tremendous exposure and support as they rise through the ranks in our developmental and national series. Alongside our sponsorship partner, NASCAR is equally committed to creating an inclusive sport where the most talented drivers, regardless of gender, have the opportunity to compete on the biggest stage.”
