Seventeen students from across the country were selected to participate in the 2007 NASCAR Diversity Internship Program. The program, which began last Monday, gives minority college students the opportunity to complete a 10-week, paid summer internship within the NASCAR industry.

"The NASCAR Diversity Internship Program has proven to be a successful initiative in introducing students from diverse backgrounds to the professional opportunities in the NASCAR industry," said Marcus Jadotte, NASCAR Managing Director of Public Affairs, who oversees the diversity department. "Several students from the program's seven-year history have been able to land full-time positions within the industry through their participation in the program."

The NASCAR Diversity Internship Program features internships offered by NASCAR offices, sponsors, licensees, teams, tracks and broadcast partners. In addition to NASCAR corporate offices, the following companies are participating in 2007: Allstate, Gateway International Raceway, Hendrick Motorsports, Images USA, International Speedway Corporation (ISC), JUSTMARKETING, NASCAR Speedpark (St. Louis), Octagon, Richard Childress Racing, Richmond International Raceway, Roush Fenway Racing, Sears Craftsman and SPEED (FOX Entertainment Group).

The current intern class began their NASCAR experience with an orientation session during the NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge weekend. The group visited the NASCAR Speedpark in Concord Mills, toured Hendrick Motorsports facilities and attended the NASCAR NEXTEL Pit Crew Challenge presented by Craftsman and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Lowe's Motor Speedway. In addition, the group met NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver Bill Lester and NASCAR President Mike Helton.

Over 150 students have participated in the NASCAR Diversity Internship Program since its inception in 2000. These interns have gained experience working in marketing, engineering, public relations, licensing and various other areas. Each year, the internships are available to college juniors, seniors and graduate students across the country. To be eligible, students must be in good standing with their school and community and must have a minimum 3.0 grade point average.

In addition to the internship program, NASCAR awards diversity scholarships in tribute to NASCAR legend Wendell Scott, has an at-track diversity mentorship program and a college tour that visits Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Hispanic Serving Institutions.

More information on the internship program is available at www.diversityinternships.com.