NASCAR applauds UPS as a catalyst for diversity throughout the sport and its related business activity. This is the first in a spotlight series to honor teams, tracks, sponsors and partners for leadership in creating opportunity and expanding participation within NASCAR. UPS's active involvement with the NASCAR Diversity Council, the UPS Racing Technical Edge Scholarships and the company's model Supplier Diversity Program set benchmarks to guide the NASCAR industry for both awareness and effective implementation.

"Diversity must involve everybody in the motorsports industry for it to be successful," said NASCAR Chief Operating Officer George Pyne. "UPS has been a shining example in demonstrating a commitment to helping increase diversity and provide meaningful opportunities throughout the sport."

NASCAR Executive Steering Committee Co-Chairman Earvin "Magic" Johnson said, "The efforts of UPS are a fine example of what NASCAR and its partners are doing to help increase diversity throughout the NASCAR industry. UPS should be commended for their commitment to such an important issue."

Now in its third year, the UPS Racing Technical Edge Scholarship program provides financial assistance to selected minority students enrolled at the NASCAR Technical Institute (NTI) in Mooresville, N.C. More than $230,000 has been awarded with five students currently enrolled. Applications are accepted in the late summer through the NTI admittance process with selections based on automotive-related career goals, automotive work experience and financial need.

NTI graduate Reginald Bradley Douthit has fulfilled that career goal through the UPS scholarship support and has parlayed his training into a full-time position with Robert Yates Racing (RYR). While attending NTI, UPS coordinated an internship program for Douthit in the RYR engine department. Strong performance led to a full-time job in the engine tear-down department after graduation.

But it's the UPS Supplier Diversity Program which has served as the template for NASCAR's own program. Formally launched in 1992, the UPS Supplier Diversity Program is committed to providing business opportunities to small, minority and women-owned businesses. The program was honored with three prestigious awards in 2004 - the "Chrysler Group Diversity Supplier of the Year", the "Prestige Award" from the National Association of Minority Contractors and the "Corporation of the Year" award from the New York/New Jersey Minority Purchasing Council. Also last year, UPS was ranked a Top 50 company by Diversity Inc. Magazine, an annual survey based on a rigorous set of metrics that evaluate CEO commitment, human capital, corporate communications and supplier diversity.

"UPS works to be an employer of choice, a preferred business partner and an effective purchaser, each of which are goals served through the NASCAR diversity efforts in which UPS is involved," said Stu LaRoche, UPS motorsports business development manager and NASCAR Diversity Council member.

NASCAR will spotlight teams, tracks, sponsors and partners throughout the year for significant contributions and achievement in diversity. NASCAR will also be highlighting diverse drivers currently competing throughout the different levels of the sport.