Blacks In Motorsports, Why Are We Lacking?

[blackstig]

Well, this is quite possibly the deepest post you will ever get from me, but it’s really bothering me, quite a bit. As most of you already know, I’m a long time SCCA racer and have recently joined the bandwagon and acquired a membership to the NASA. I can honestly say that from event to event, whether I’m competing, course working, judging, scoring, timing or whatever may have you, I’m always one of the ONLY black people at the event.

I can ALSO honestly say, with full knowledge, that there have been events that I was scheduled to attend and have missed and have had my friends say, “You would have been the only brother there….”

Why is that?

Why is it that when I flip open one of my monthly subscriptions to Indy Car, SportsCar or Grassroots Motorsports Magazine that my fellow brethren aren’t to be heard from?

What’s wrong with this picture? Are we simply not as interested as the White, Asian and Hispanic community. I mean, all of the other bases are covered. Take Formula D, NASA Rally and SCCA Club Racing for instance. Each one of those fields of competition have the three listed above. White, Hispanic and Asian. Keep in mind, when I say “White” I don’t mean JUST Anglo Saxon, I mean Irish, Jewish, Spanish Descent, European, British, Scottish, etc…

Sometimes I honestly feel alone in the fact that I’m an African-American male that is truly into motorsports in all of it’s aspects. I’m not, and repeat NOT, into “bitches and ho’s” (figuratively speaking), big spinning rims on big body Cadillacs with fur lined dashes. I don’t go to car shows just to see the women there (although it’s definitely a nice perk  ) I go there to see what new products are on the market, I’m there to meet other enthusiasts and converse on the latest racing formats and fields of interest. I like to see what my fellow racer thinks is “cool” and what is out there to try to help me out as a driver.

I’m sorry if this may be a soft-spot for some of you. I’m NOT trying to be controversial or trying to come across as a racist or bigot but I’m just simply stating what I see everyday I look at our precious sport and art form. And . . .to be honest . . .it bothers me a whole lot. Why? I’m not sure, maybe because I know that if we really put our minds to it we could prove to be some of the most talented drivers this planet has ever seen, but because more of us are concerned with our next buck to be had or which set of shoes will look best with our throwback, these facets are simply overlooked.

If more blacks (not just African Americans) cared about the actual sport of driving vice which sub would give us more “King Kong In The Trunk” then I think maybe we’d have more of a driving force, no pun intended, that would put us on the map. Until that happens, we’re going to continue to fall to the way-side.

I don’t know, this is just something that continues to trouble me. I mean, I love the NASA and the SCCA, but I wish I simply saw more of my race out there driving to the limit just as I do everytime I get out there. As my friend Philip (with ONE L HAHA) put it, “Go out there and drive at 10/10ths”. Once again, a white guy, but he knows what he’s talking about. I’ve YET to hear a fellow African-American say that to me or even mention that in a conversation. Even some of the more car-savvy ones don’t care about how they’re driving as much as they care about WHAT they’re driving. They don’t see the point of driving a modified AE86 or E36 if they can afford to drive an E92 or SL55 AMG.

It also bothers me that when I tell people that I’m an instructor with the SCCA that they look at me for some burden of proof. I know it’s simply because I’m black! And I know it’s true because I’ve seen Whites, Asians and Hispanics bring up the same sort of forthright and get treated with a sense of Awe, Amaze and Respect. Why is it that when you tell people that you’re a purist in motorsports and you LOVE what you do, watching others do what you do and being around those that are into what you’re into that you get looked at with a sense of reservation simply because of your skin color?

I don’t know . . . .it just bothers me. . . .

Backfires anyone?

-Stig

[Philip]

Wow, that is definitely a break from your regularly scheduled Stig programming, but I agree. I'm not sure as to the cause but I definitely notice that there is an unusually low percentile of black people among the "car guy" culture. It's strange.
But no sweat Stig, you count for at least 4 or 5 so the mix at ClubBimmer is a bit more balanced. :wet:

[Mitch]

Since Lewis Hamilton, the last black fellow I've seen in a race car was Willy T Ribbs.

And Hamilton KICKS ass. GOD I hope he ends up in a Ferrari.

[BMRSEB]

If I had the time and $$$ I would definitely be there with you Stig. At one point a buddy of mine of the same persuasion :icon18: were contemplating going to the Spartanburg plant for the weekend for some of their driving classes, etc. But alas, family, $$$, etc., come first.. But, we'll make it happen one day.

At least I try and make it to the meets, and have owned a "few" BMW's; E28 535isA, E34 525iA, 325e, 325is, E39 528i/5, E36 M3, E46 M3, E34 540i/6 and now E39 540i/6.

But I do agree with you though.. A have a buddy that has an '08 M5 and have tried to get him to come to some of the meets, etc., but they see no point in standing around looking at cars..:( I think it's just as fulfilling to associate the cars with the people and talk "shop" so to speak.

If I had my druthers I would be at most track events, DE's, Driving Schools, etc.

BTW, took that E60 M5 to a reported 160mph!! At least that's what the heads-up display indicated!!!!!!!!:eek:

[F1Julie]

I don't have an answer, but I think Lewis Hamilton is expanding the F1 audience to include more people of color. Up until this year, I don't think I saw a single black person at Indy. This year, I saw at least 15-20. You've got to start somewhere...

[BMRSEB]

I don't have an answer, but I think Lewis Hamilton is expanding the F1 audience to include more people of color. Up until this year, I don't think I saw a single black person at Indy. This year, I saw at least 15-20. You've got to start somewhere...
I was there!!!! Was going to do the Canadian as well, but wifey says.... :(
Monaco, Bahrain, Spa now we're talking!!! :)

[blackstig]

Here's what I posted on the Grassroots Motorsports Forum

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You all make very valid points and a lot of opinions and factoids do add to he idea I posed in which my fellow African Americans seem to be more interested in material worth and how they appear overtly rather than how things feel on the inside and how much fun they are having.

A very valid point whas made when someone mentioned the presumption of motorsports as a "white" sport. I get looked at with both eyes, in a matter of speaking, from my black friends when I mention that I race cars and that I don't "do the quarter". I mention that my realm of driving usually is associate with more cornering potential than acceleration and top-speed-potential. They make it seem as if I've done something wrong or as if I've forgotten about my "roots" when I say that I enjoy driving simply for the sake of driving. I don't own extremely nice cars in their eyes:

In their eyes they see a "chick-car" (My Miata) and an old "beater" (my ae86) neither of them soar through the quarter mile readily so to them it holds no bearing. They've all said the same thing when I told them I participate in motorsports, however . . . "I'll race ya" and by "racing me" they mean on the highway or from stoplight to stoplight. When I mention the track, they start thinking 1/8th and quarter-mile. When I mention turns, that's when I lose them.

I really start too look like a "sell out" when I start talking about my sponsors. My sponsors are vendors who have a predominantly white focus group. For this fact, I get looked at as an "Uncle Tom" or an "Oreo" who sold out because he doesn't support black-enterprise and business.

Let me just say this . . .and this is the ONLY TIME I'll say it!!!

I WOULD LOVE TO SUPPORT BLACK OWNED ENTERPRISE! THEY WOULD JUST WANT TO SUPPORT ME FIRST! I can walk up to one right now, pull out my VERY well versed motorsports resume which shows a few years of experience in both the driver's seat and behind the scenes and they'll look at me with that look of "And what will THIS do for me?" I'll give them an answer and I swear you can almost say

"Nigga! That ain't gangsta!!!"

*sigh*

So I guess I'll just be a sell out to all but my motorsports friends and fellow racers such as you all here on the forums.

On the same note, I also get jeers and sneers when I simply SPEAK to some of my "friends". Why? Because I enunciate my consonants and correctly pronounce my words, because I tend to speak above an 8th grade level and because I don't say "Meng!" or "Yeah shawty" when I speak. They say I come across as being "better" than someone or being "above" my race! WHAT?!

But that's not conversation for this topic, so I'll wrap us back around...

I guess I'll just have to continue to do my part, I know that if the average home-boy can afford to dub-up his brand new AMG S Class, then he can afford the measly 65 bucks a year and 60-70 bucks per event for an SCCA membership and autocross event. They simply get hung up on image and don't want to come across as that infamous sell-out.

I'll just do my part and keep on racing everytime I get a chance. I'll continue to set track records and beat out other's lap times, not to prove a point or to try to fit in or to be "accepted"

But . . .


Simply . . .


Because . . . .


Well . . . it feels really good to see the look on someone's face when they run a 47.102 and you run a 47.100

LMAO!

I know you guys know what I'm talking about!

Take care and lets hear some more opinions!!!

-Stig

[88e28]

Power to the Bro's. I have asked the same question.

[Cerrano]

will help with your answer. First of all let's be realistic. Most African Americans growing up are usually involved in what is available in their communities and what is affordable.

Most of that includes football, basketball, and track and field. We are still the minority in baseball, which is starting to try and prosper in communities, but the inner city just doesn't have the fields. With Tiger making a wonderful surge over the years has started programs to get inner city children to golf courses.

I grew up in a middle class neighborhood in RI and the only reason I fell upon any type of motorsport was because our family mechanic had a race car and I became friends with his son, but for the most part it was baseball, football, and basketball in my community.

Now that I live in Florida, I bring my nephew and his friends here to experience NASCAR and other tracks in the area to possibly start an "interest".

Let's face it unless someone drops some form of a track in the inner city where that interest becomes possible, all you will see is impala's on 26's 'ridin dirty'

[Philip]

LoL!!
I can see it now.....


http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee86/philipwot/chappelle.jpg
Announcer:
And here we are folks- it's a beautiful morning here in Atlanta. A great day for racing at the 2008 Roc-A-Fella Records Formula-D tryouts sponsored in part by Armandale Vodka.
First on the track is our home-town hero David 'The Stig' Adams driving the Team BET/Fubu Toyota Levin.
Some are speculating that David is starting out with a disadvantage today because of a sposor recently picked up by his team. Although they sure look dope as hell, the 24" spinners supplied by Giovanna Wheels are adding a bit of weight to the corners of the car.

*Stig slams into a guard rail*

Oh **** son, that sure is whack. But his rims are still spinning!

[blackstig]

LoL!!
I can see it now.....


http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee86/philipwot/chappelle.jpg
Announcer:
And here we are folks- it's a beautiful morning here in Atlanta. A great day for racing at the 2008 Roc-A-Fella Records Formula-D tryouts sponsored in part by Armandale Vodka.
First on the track is our home-town hero David 'The Stig' Adams driving the Team BET/Fubu Toyota Levin.
Some are speculating that David is starting out with a disadvantage today because of a sposor recently picked up bu his team. Although they sure look dope as hell the 24" spinners supplied by Giovanna Wheels are adding a bit of weight to the corners of the car.

*Stig slams into a guard rail*

Oh **** son, that sure is whack. But his rims are still spinning!

ROFLMAO!

You are SUCH a racist!

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!


Nothing but love dude!

Everyone has very good ideas for getting the word out, I'm going to discuss things with my team, do some recruiting to get others to join my team then we'll work on getting the word out about grassroots racing.

-Stig

[Catmint]

I'm not really sure how to reply to this, except to say that you've got the right attitude, Stig. Not just for a black guy or a white guy or anything else, simply the right attitude for a human I guess. You are doing something you like to do no matter what others think, and no matter what you are "supposed to" do.

Most people, and I mean most people, just do not think for themselves and so they go along with what has always been done. That goes for all colors, all religions, all nationalities... we just like to be grouped into our categories and then act accordingly. It's more comfortable that way.

Personally, like you I prefer to think "outside the box" because I've learned so much more by doing so. I have my labels that I sometimes live by, but so often I like to peel off those labels and try on new ones, or go without altogether.

So I think if the tables were turned and racing was a black-dominated sport, and you were white, you would probably be asking the same questions.

PS: Philip, you crack me up!

[BMRSEB]

....but so often I like to peel off those labels and try on new ones, or go without altogether.
Hmmm.. A side of Catmint we're completely unaware of??!!! :icon18:
















I jest!! :wet:

[Philip]

Hmmm.. A side of Catmint we're completely unaware of??!!! :icon18:





I jest!! :wet:



Woooo hooooo! lol
I'll snorkel to that. :wet:

[Catmint]

Look at that, I bare my soul and try to engage in a meaningful conversation, and it soon turns to smut.





LOL, just kidding... It was pretty funny. :icon18:

[Philip]

Woooo hooooo! lol
I'll snorkel to that. :wet:

In other news: What the hell was I even talking about here? "I'll snorkel to that"?? LoL I'm retarded.

[Catmint]

In other news: What the hell was I even talking about here? "I'll snorkel to that"?? LoL I'm retarded.

That MINI Cooper coffee is getting to ya. ;)

[MachSchnell]

In professional motorsports you are definately correct, Stig. When I lived in Queens I autocrossed with the SCCA, BMW CCA, and PCA and I was usually the minority at the events. Very diverse crowd, Asian, Black, Latino....and me. The pasty-white, German-Irish guy getting scorched and burned while working the course!

[Feffman]

I used to run track days pretty reguarly with a guy (Marc) and his dad from St. Louis but family and business requirements pulled Marc away. He insists he'll be back. I truly hope son because he was not only a hell of a good guy, but a darn good instructor as well.

Happy Motoring!

Mark "Feff" Pfeffer

[RP540i-sport]

ROFLMAO!

You are SUCH a racist!

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!


Nothing but love dude!

Everyone has very good ideas for getting the word out, I'm going to discuss things with my team, do some recruiting to get others to join my team then we'll work on getting the word out about grassroots racing.

-Stig You know how most people type LOL and don't really do it.....well i ROFLOL!!!!! That is the funniest S#%$T i have seen in a while!!!

Stig im whitcha on this matter....have you ever seen a Puerto Rican Nascar driver??? I grew up in a horrible neighborhood where the car clubs consisted of STOLEN cars LOL!

I think it runs deeper than just Black and White.....and i'm sure this post could get blown way out of proportion so i'll just keep it simple.

DO YOU!!!! Don't worry about why....worry about how! How are you going to get other people like you interested in what you are doing? I personally like to stand out and that always comes with a little Hate from other people. But who cares!!! If you excel at what you do, and you love to do it then people will pick up on that and follow suit eventually..........at least your NOT a follower!


OK i'm going to get off my soapbox now :nascar:

[KAAMAcat]

A comment then a suggestion......... I've been in "corporate america" for just over 30yrs now, and would thank them for zero toleration when it comes to subjects like like this. (So I'd also agree that because I live like this, don't care what religion or color you are.......... thats-the-way-it-is.....and can honestly say that some of my best friends over the years 50+ years of my life, 30 of them corporate, have been African-American)

So to start with I can 100% assure you that the next comments are coming from someone thats about the furthest from the race/religion deal, and I have "0" patience for it.

........Drop the Blackstig handle from the forum, and I-hate-to-say it, but any reference to the "N-word" you might use. By just those alone, you are labeling yourself into what you are complaining about.

(Just offering some honest feedback to help and hope not to turn this topic into something banned.........)

[Kelleyo]

This is very interesting. Since I don't know you from Adam my first impression on this site of you came from this: "ahhhh **** son . . .I'm modifyin at an alarming rate " So what is funny is that I imagined you as an older southern white guy that was into racing a Miata in Autocross, etc. LOL

Anyway, I am a huge racing fan and I think the lack of African/American participation is more a matter of choice and interests (but I am no expert) as opposed to any specific barrier (other than costs). I also think that Motorcycle racing has seen a lot more African Americans. Maybe that will start to bleed over into cars?

One would think that Lewis Hamilton might have a similar effect as Tiger Woods (at least in Europe) did on the sport of golf.

[blackstig]

Wait wait . . .before we continue on . . .I just want to clear up Black Stig's reputation . . .that was a fabulous guy who died for a cause . . .to keep Top Gear's ratings high . . .*tear*

LOL!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Stig#Black_Stig

*sniff sniff*

*plays TAPS*


HAHAHAHA!

RP540i . . .I feel you man, but definitely, climb back up on that Soap Box, that's why we have the forums so everyone can get a chance to be heard, if someone doesn't like what you've typed, they can just skip over it ^_^

But yes, it's not just the black community, it's across the board of minorities, but you know, we have our placehold in other places as Kelleyo has stated, Motorcycle racing has an abundance of blacks and drag racing holds a lot of blacks and hispanics along with the rest of the population and everyone gets along fine. In the end, that's all we're really looking for, equality in the racing world.

To be honest, I do get a little fed up with being looked at like a Kyle XY because I'm the only black guy at the event, LOL! We all "SAY" that we're comfortable with each other and we DON'T see skin color, but what people say and what their actions are speak from two different levels of tolerance . . .from what I see anyway . . . .

All I know is two truths . . .

1. We're gaining respect and noteriety in racing from Lewis Hamilton breaking records everytime he races in F1 to T. Suell who keeps SLAUGHTERING the competition in NOPI and Formula Drift.

2. NO ONE can out drive Black Stig ^_^

LOL!

and

JON!

ROFLMAO!

Tropical People?

http://sc.tri-bit.com/images/7/75/rofl.jpg


LOL!

Okay . . .okay . . .I'm going to hell for that one!

-Stig

[88e28]

This going the wrong way.:secure-lock::secure-lock::nono::nono:

[88e28]

I agree Wheres Mitch this needs to be CLOSED.

[blackstig]

done and doner . . I can closey threads too ^_^