Seven drivers will be a part of the new sponsorship program in 2022
NASCAR competition is open to both men and women at all levels of the sport. However, the top level of the stock car racing ladder is absent of female competitors.
In fact, there’s been no female drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series since 2018. Danica Patrick was the last driver to do so and she ran with the series from 2012-2018.
That could change, rapidly.
Busch Light has announced the creation of the Busch Light Accelerate Her Program ahead of the 2022 Daytona 500 weekend. The $10 million effort will bring sponsorship funding to every female (21 and over) driver over the next three years.
Natalie Decker commented, “I’m always my authentic self, I’m a Wisconsin girl through and through, and I never say no to a beer.”
Interestingly, Hailie Deegan appears excluded from the list. She competes in the NASCAR Truck Series and has a deal for 2022.
Busch comments
“Busch Light has been an iconic sponsor in NASCAR for decades and we’ve been lucky to witness some of the greatest women drivers in history, but it can’t be argued that the NASCAR Cup Series field is dominated by male drivers,” said Krystyn Stowe, senior brand director of Busch Family Brands at Anheuser-Busch.
Stowe added, “Through our sponsorship rights and our platform, we’re seizing the opportunity to make historic progress toward gender inclusivity and while the immediate program goals may start here, we hope the sentiment will carry far beyond that, encouraging the broadcast level of inclusivity across all sports.”
NASCAR comments
“Busch Light is a leading sponsor who’s paving the way for women drivers to accomplish their dreams of competing at the highest level of our sport,” said Michelle Byron, vice president of partnership marketing at NASCAR.
“The Accelerate Her program will provide tremendous exposure and support as they rise through the ranks in our developmental and national series.”
Byron added, “Alongside our sponsorship partner, NASCAR is equally committed to creating an inclusive sport where the most talented drivers, regardless of gender, have the opportunity to compete on the biggest stage.”
Related: NASCAR sponsorship costs? New court documents provide numbers
2022
Accelerate Her Drivers
Seven drivers will be the recipients of the sponsorship in the first year of the program:
Driver | Series
Natalie Decker
NASCAR Xfinity Series
Jennifer Jo Cobb
NASCAR Truck Series
Toni Breidinger
ARCA Menards Series
Amber Balcaen
ARCA Menards Series
Brittney Zamora
ARCA Menards Series
Stephanie Moyer
ARCA Menards Series
Melissa Fifield
NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour
