In recent years NASCAR has made some major efforts and strides toward making the sport a more diverse one that is no longer a “good ole’ boys club”.

The Carolinas LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce is one of the largest LGBT Chamber of Commerce’s in the Charlotte area. On January 5, 2022 they announced a partnership with NASCAR as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion partner for the 2022.

The marks the first time that NASCAR has partnered with an LGBT Chamber of Commerce.

The vice chair of the Carolinas LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce Tiffany Keaton spoke on the partnership saying, “NASCAR has a rich history in our region and continues to be one of the most popular sports in the nation. The intentionality of their partnership will allow the Carolinas LGBT+ Chamber to leverage relationships and increase our work in the area of diversity, equity and inclusion. The distinct brand that NASCAR brings to the chamber validates their commitment to equality and non-discrimination both on and off the track. It is an honor to name the league our ‘DE&I Partner’ for 2022, and I look forward to developing this amazing relationship.”

The Carolinas LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce mission is to foster equity, inclusion and economic prosperity for the LGBTQ community through strategic policy, professional enrichment, ally partnerships and economic development.

NASCAR’s vice president of diversity and inclusion Brandon Thompson also spoke on the partnership saying, “NASCAR is excited to partner with the Carolinas LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce. With NASCAR offices and much of our industry based in the Carolinas, we look forward to working with CLGBTCC in support of its mission to foster equity, inclusion and economic prosperity for the LGBTQ community.”

While NASCAR has yet to sign a driver who identifies as a member of the LGBT+ community, there has been some strides toward diversity with the signing of Mexican driver Daniel Suarez, bi-racial driver Bubba Wallace, and numerous non-white crew members.