Nationwide to Sponsor Driver in NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity Initiative
Nationwide Mutual Insurance, in partnership with local Nationwide Insurance agent Carlo White announced this week that it will sponsor NASCAR Whelen All-American Series driver, Michael “Fast” Cherry.
The promising 19-year old driver has been chosen to represent Nationwide Insurance in conjunction with NASCAR’s “Drive for Diversity” initiative, which is further diversifying the sport by providing opportunities to minority and female competitors.
“It’s an honor to support Michael Cherry as he works his way up in NASCAR,” said Carlo White, a Nationwide Insurance agent based in Greenville who is leading the partnership. “This sponsorship is a great opportunity for Nationwide to support diversity in racing, and that’s something that is very important to us. Michael is a very promising young racer and will be a great representative of the Nationwide Insurance brand.”
Cherrys 2008 Late Model carried the number 34 on his FDJ Motorsports Chevy Impala at Motor Mile Speedway in honor of Wendell Scott the first African-American to win a race in NASCAR's elite division.
Cherry, from Valrico, Florida, will race for Addis Motorsports at Greenville-Pickens Speedway (S.C.). The 2009 season will mark Cherry’s second year as a member of the Drive for Diversity initiative. He was rookie of the year in 2008 at Motor Mile Speedway in the Late Model division and finished fourth in the point standings.
“It’s truly an honor to represent Nationwide Insurance,” said Cherry. “The addition of their sponsorship to our Addis team and the Drive for Diversity initiative really makes this an unbelievable opportunity for me. I definitely plan to make the most of it.”
NASCAR’s second oldest hometrack returns to action for a 64th season in 2009. The Greenville Pickens Speedway delivers hometown NASCAR excitement to upstate South Carolina in a new season, fresh off one of the biggest seasons ever in 2008.
“It’s hometown entertainment like no other,” said GPS Marketing Director Keith Cochran, “and we’re seeing more and more race fans in the upstate opt for the affordable family fun that GPS delivers.”
The green flag will fall on a brand new racing season in the upstate on Saturday, March 14.
NOTE: Although it has not been updated recently Cherry has a blog that includes a number of videos of him in action at Motor Mile Speedway.
Good for Mr. Cherry. My son raced the Late Model Division at Greenville-Pickens a few years ago and hopes to get back out there soon. The track is first class all the way and the fans are awesome. I remember one night we raced and another Drive For Diversity Driver pulled up in a big Gibbs Racing Hauler with all the bells and whistles. That was Aric Arimirola (spelling could be off a little) who got knocked around by the local boys some that night but where is that young man now. With the big boys up there in Cup. I’ll be out checking Mr. Cherry out and Kudos to past GP track champion Blair Addis for putting him in his car.
i would love to try out as a driver for diversity please send are tell me how to join thank
You would have to contact NASCAR for that information Michael. You can get in touch via the following: For more information, contact:
Jason Christley, NASCAR Public Relations, (386) 947-6788 or jchristley@nascar.com