Brandon Thompson has been at the forefront of NASCAR’s diversity efforts for some time now as Touring Series Director, especially when it comes to bridging the gap between NASCAR culture and Black culture.
One of his more notable diversity projects was when NASCAR partnered with Migos to promote the super group’s Motorsports record. It seemed like a natural tie in and about four or five drivers, including Bubba Wallace, got in on it.
Thompson was appointed to oversee the NASCAR Touring Series in 2016. Following NASCAR’s purchase of the ARCA Racing Series, he managed the integration of the NASCAR Pro Series into the ARCA Menards Series and spearheaded the launch of competition under one banner in 2020.
Thompson’s leadership also contributed to the growth of NASCAR’s international series and notably the NASCAR Pinty’s Series in Canada.
Thompson began his career in motorsports as an intern at Nashville Superspeedway in 2003, a role he applied for through the NASCAR Diversity Internship Program. The Nashville native and 17-year industry veteran now becomes the first diversity intern graduate to join NASCAR’s executive ranks as an officer.
If there is anyone qualified to bring NASCAR into the next phase of existence — which includes Black Lives Matter initiatives, a superstar Black driver in Bubba Wallace with a voice that’s unafraid to address the racial inequalities int he sport, the removal of confederate flags at races and a more inclusive revamping of the sport’s culture — it’s Thompson.
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Brandon Thompson Promoted
Today Thompson was named to the newly created position of Vice President, Diversity and Inclusion. In this role, Thompson will lead the sanctioning body’s strategy for diversity and inclusion, as well as programs and initiatives designed to champion and enhance diversity across the NASCAR industry.
“Brandon is an established and well-respected leader in our sport who will help NASCAR realize its vision in creating a more diverse industry,” said Gregory. “This new position and Brandon’s appointment reinforces our steadfast commitment to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for our fans, industry and employees.”
In his new role, Thompson will oversee an existing team of NASCAR employees responsible for multicultural programs and initiatives including the lauded NASCAR Drive for Diversity Program, as well as strategic alliances with the Institute for Sport and Social Justice and the Diversity and Inclusion Sports Consortium.
Thompson’s team also includes Dawn Harris, who has been elevated to the position of Managing Director, Diversity and Inclusion. Harris will continue to manage diversity programs as well as cultivate and strengthen NASCAR relationships with national and local civic organizations across the country.
Under Thompson’s leadership, NASCAR will continue to attract top diverse talent — on and off the track.
“NASCAR has made significant progress in the areas of diversity and inclusion and we now have an opportunity to build on our momentum — both as a company and industry,” said Thompson. “It is with great passion and energy that we will champion our sport as accepting and welcoming of all individuals interested in being part of the NASCAR family.”
Drive for Diversity Driver Development Program
As the most visible of NASCAR’s diversity initiatives, the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Development Program has helped create a path to national series competition for multicultural drivers such as Bubba Wallace and Daniel Suarez. More than 50 graduates of the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Pit Crew Development Program are now working in NASCAR, including more than 30 crew member alumni competing in the NASCAR Cup Series.
