"I don't know," he admitted. "I really don't. The sport is based on friends and family. Jobs, not only as drivers but on teams and such, are really based on who you know and who your friends are. A lot of the sport revolves around friends and family, because when it started, it was the moonshiners and the farmers, and they were predominantly white. Their friends and family are white, so that's why I think it's that way. I never really looked at it that way. I've always looked at it as a little kid that I loved the sport and wanted to be a part of it, no matter what it took."
Almirola was asked what advice he would give to minorities seeking success in NASCAR, and the answer shows much maturity and a firm grasp on the world around him.
"Just work hard, no matter what," he advised. "Stay after it. I would say never get your head down, but naturally things happen and cause you to do that. As much as possible, keep your chin up and smile and have fun at what you're doing. Life is short, so have fun."
That's advice anyone can use, no matter their ethnicity. Perhaps that is the real point of a diversity program these days.these days.
Loss Of A Diversity LeaderAs this story was being written, the news came that Reggie White had died of apparent respiratory or heart failure at the age of 43. White, a defensive lineman for the Philadelphia Eagles, Green Bay Packers, and Carolina Panthers, was voted to the NFL's Pro Bowl a record 13 consecutive years and was the NFL's all-time sack leader until 2003 when Bruce Smith eclipsed his record.
As great as he was on the field, he was probably even better off it. As a minister and a champion of young people of all colors, White was involved in many outreach and diversity programs at the time of his death, including the one with Joe Gibbs.
White approached Gibbs about getting involved in a diversity program with NASCAR, and because it had been something Gibbs wanted as well, the two decided to build this program. Gibbs had been on NASCAR's diversity board for several years, and when it came down to it, he decided to team with White and fund the program from his own pocket.
The result has been perhaps the most successful diversity team in the sport. Ray Evernham has a diversity program, as does Jack Roush, and both have made serious strides. Many of the crewmembers at Joe Gibbs Racing have come through the diversity program as well.
White will be remembered in NASCAR annals as a man who had the courage to live his convictions, as evidenced in this statement issued by NASCAR on the event of his passing:
"The passing of Reggie White is a loss for the NASCAR community. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the White family, Joe Gibbs Racing, and everyone who had the pleasure of working with Reggie. The Reggie White/Joe Gibbs Racing team helped to further diversify NASCAR by providing opportunities to drivers such as Chris Bristol and Aric Almirola."
"It was a true pleasure to collaborate with him on the Joe Gibbs Racing Diversity Program," said J.D. Gibbs, president of Joe Gibbs Racing and son of the team's owner. "I know that my father and I, as well as all the employees of JGR, were looking forward to a long relationship with Reggie through this program. All of us at Joe Gibbs Racing will ensure that his vision to cultivate a diversity program within NASCAR will continue." -Ron Lemasters Jr.