Racing Towards Equality: Superficial Strides in Motorsports Diversity
February 16th, 2024
[Author's Note: No real-life events, or names are used in this, just fictional situations based on real ones; also, a lot of it is based on personal speculation, and may not reflect plenty of experiences]
Imagine standing amidst a sea of top racers, the air buzzing with anticipation for the upcoming August Showdown 300 - one of the biggest races in the short track/grass roots world, attracting the stars of tomorrow, the short track veterans of today, and the biggest names in the sport at the highest levels. It's an important moment, as people try to maintain their calm, before strapping in and getting ready to race. Yet, in this crowd, a race director's words slice through the excitement, revealing a harsh undercurrent of prejudice. To add to this, it is in the presence of people of the demographic being insulted. What could be (and still is, if you overlook the no-words-spared hate speech) potentially useful instruction for drivers is littered with needless references that use a demographic of people as a substitute for a description of unacceptable behaviour on the track and trivializes abuses that, that demographic of people have historically endured, as a way of presenting consequences for not following the racing etiquette guidelines. It was entirely unprovoked, and indefensible conduct.
This article will attempt to delve into the complex world of diversity in racing, considering the multifaceted roles of social media, media narratives, and public figures in the sport, as well as considering the often-superficial seeming nature of progress that to some degree seems to potentially play to public relations more than a genuine commitment to change.
Historical Context and Evolution of Diversity
Motorsports originated from a fascination with the thrill of speed and the spirit of competition. It began as an arena where skill, speed, and the engineering prowess of vehicles were celebrated. The earliest days of motorsports, dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, coincided with the advent of the automobile.
Historically, the world of motorsports has been marked by limited diversity. The early icons and the majority of participants were predominantly white males. This lack of diversity reflected broader societal norms and exclusions of the time. In many parts of the world, particularly in the United States and Europe, where motorsports gained significant popularity, societal and systemic barriers often prevented women and people of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds from participating.
Motorsports culture developed within these demographic constraints, creating an environment that, for many decades, continued to perpetuate these patterns. The representation in the stands often mirrored that on the tracks, with fans largely coming from similar demographic backgrounds. In principal things like high costs associated with racing, including equipment, training, travel, and maintenance, which can be significant barriers to entry, are not hurdles that cannot be overcome independently. However, these financial barriers disproportionately some communities, and with less, or even little to no representation (this also applies to women), the motivation or interest tends to be less, as well.
Motorsports is a great thing, and deserves to be shared and enjoyed by everyone, and in the process, can re-visit old heights, and maybe even challenge them. It is a fact that many people prefer consuming entertainment, or listening to people who they feel demographically similar to. An extended help of an olive branch from those firmly entrenched in their positions can help generate some self-sustaining momentum and growth in other demographics down the line. The sport is always looking to reach new audiences, and this is a way. Sports can be a way to bring people of any background together, where they are united with one universal interest and goal, and can put aside differences.
Off the track, we are people; On the track, people are cars and numbers. It's a nice luxury for a physically demanding sport, that you can have a 14 year old male, a 21 year old female, and a 71 year old male all competing in the same sporting event, with the same equipment. The ethics of starting ages and ability to make informed choices as a youth are questions for another time, but the safety afforded by modern equipment allows a fairly unique blend of potential diversity in age and gender competing against one another, in a physical sport.
In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on diversity and inclusion in motorsports. Programs like NASCAR's Drive for Diversity and similar initiatives in other racing organizations have been established to create pathways for underrepresented groups. These programs aim to nurture talent from diverse backgrounds, providing opportunities that historically were not available. The demographic landscape of motorsports is slowly changing. We are beginning to see more drivers of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, and the number of women in the sport, both on the track and in key leadership roles, is gradually increasing. This shift is not just in the drivers' seats but also in the engineering teams, pit crews, and administrative positions.
However, the pace of change has been slow, and the question remains: is the industry truly embracing diversity, or are these initiatives more about maintaining a positive public image? The likely answer is a mixed one, with the true intentions and views held of different people involved being mixed. It also deserves to be noted, too, that there is nothing wrong with a sport, or a hobby, or something of that nature, being primarily participated in by white males. Ultimately, people who are interested as fans, and people who are interested in participating, should be the ones who are fans, and those who are interested in participating. If that means predominantly white men, then that is fine.
Initiative Achievements
While there have been strides in visibility, the deeper cultural and structural changes needed for ubiquitous inclusivity are still a work in progress, while some are issues involve far more complicated factors than those isolated to the racing industry. Regardless, these initiatives are a step that may help in this goal, but there is the question of whether or not they are tokenistic or driven by external pressures rather than a genuine commitment to change.
The future of diversity in motorsports hinges on the sustained commitment (this can be both active or passive) of all stakeholders - from racing organizations and teams, to sponsors and fans. While the initiatives mark important steps forward, the challenge lies in fostering a culture within motorsports that not only welcomes but also nurtures and respects diversity in all its forms.
Everyone who is a human has some form of prejudice; it can be borne out of personal experiences, it can be learned from others, it can even be part of one's identity. It can serve as a useful survival trait, or it can be hateful and destructive. It is not a uniform thing, and overt discrimination is not everywhere, although it does exist. With the existence of it, and the passive acceptance from others, as well, it can make things challenging for those who think and feel differently, as well as those more directly subjected to the consequences, of course.
Incidents’ and Subsequent Response
The example of the situation to open this article is not an isolated one, and it happens to this day. Recently, something more tame was said on a bigger stage with more visibility, and someone else acknowledged dark humour in the statement (someone who was accustomed to hearing things, such as the race director's comments, and thought nothing of it when they did). These two individuals may or may not feel hateful, or they may have a lack of understanding, and were not taking the situation seriously.
The response to these incidents often follows a pattern: public apologies, sensitivity training, and promises for better inclusivity. But are these steps surface-level remedies? One of the drivers in the example above, chose to part ways with their team. It seems likely that the team wished to remove them, and offered them the opportunity to step down, first, as a courtesy. This poses the question: was it a genuine stance against hate speech, or a move to protect the team's image?
If it is indeed a reactionary measure punishment levied towards someone who may not have intended real harm, you can expect about the same quality of progress to be achieved, as the sincerity of response to the incident. Proactivity and consistency versus periodic reaction are two very different approaches.
Social Media and Public Perception
Social media platforms host a myriad of voices, from informed opinions to baseless trolling. The role of these platforms can sometimes play a role in shaping public perception and discourse. This includes allowing for loud vocal minorities that will say the most attention catching things, to spread. Derogatory or inflammatory comments can exacerbate tensions and harm efforts towards inclusivity, as well as influence the public's perception of motorsports and its community. Social media is a double edged sword - a platform for visibility and support but also a breeding ground for negativity and misinformation. Informed and respectful dialogue, and conducting yourself the way you would in real life, can go a long way.
It can be a challenge to distinguish between genuine criticism and comments driven by irrationality, mood, or other factors. However, when it comes to moments that someone may comment in a moment they are not proud of, they can often just carry on with their day. This treatment is less often afforded by public figures, including drivers. This can be problematic for other reasons - over-scutiny that is, and essentially making some things off the table for discussion. Open dialogue, listening, and making mistakes are a better way to tackle issues, but there needs to be a sincere desire to do so. And ultimately, differences are good, and a big part of what diversity should be aiming for - not assimilating everyone to be, speak, and behave the same as each other, through threats of punishment; that is simply forcing things, learning nothing, creating an alternate version of the initial problems, in the name of diversity and progress.
Media Influence
The mainstream media and entertainment industry, primarily emanating from liberal states like New York and California, often exhibit a liberal bias. This slant can manifest in oversimplifying complex issues or pushing a singular perspective, contributing to polarized views. When these narratives reach the diverse audience of motorsports, they can sometimes be perceived as overbearing or misaligned with conservative values.
This perception is amplified on social media platforms, where discussions can quickly devolve into echo chambers. Here, individuals are primarily exposed to opinions that reinforce their own, exacerbating polarization and sometimes leading to overly aggressive reactions. This dynamic, rather than fostering meaningful change, can entrench divisions and hinder constructive dialogue. Therefore, it's vital for fans and stakeholders in motorsports to engage in constructive dialogue that transcends political or ideological lines.
Athletes in Sport are Athletes, not Civil Activists
There exists a widespread perception that public figures, particularly entertainers and athletes, should be at the forefront of political and social change. However, these individuals primarily excel in their fields of sports and entertainment, and their primary objective is to attract fans, which in turn brings revenue and sponsorship viability. Their skill and dedication are what garner public attention.
Expecting these public figures to uniformly use their platforms for political or social activism can be counterproductive, leading to resentment or backlash. Not all entertainers and athletes are equipped, willing, or interested in being advocates for change. Moreover, imposing a homogenous expectation on how they should speak or behave about nuanced subjects is unrealistic.
It's crucial to respect the personal choice of these individuals in their involvement in social and political matters. While some may choose to be vocal about certain issues, others might prefer to concentrate solely on their professional responsibilities. The sports and entertainment industries encompass a wide array of views and beliefs; acknowledging and respecting this diversity is essential for a healthy and inclusive discourse in the world of motorsports. Actions that seem performative for public relations reasons are at best less effective, if not damaging. People taking the time to listen and consider, and have an open-mind, as well as stand-up for each other when it is just to do so, regardless of their background, builds a momentum that gradually installs lasting effects.
Conclusion
This article is meant to call to question motives for what we are exposed to, to implore people to take a moment to stop and listen and consider, and to recognize the values of broadening the horizons of the sport. There are real demographic tensions and divides in our society, and ignoring them doesn’t make them go away. But finding a common interest in Motorsports that we can all love, can help foster some understanding and joy, without having to be too serious… Just sometimes a little more welcoming and friendly.
