BH Motorsports Aligns With National Guard For Racing Efforts

BH Motorsports (BHM), a new NASCAR Winston Cup team owned by African-Americans Sam Belnavis and Tinsley Hughes, has signed the National Guard as primary sponsor of its No. 54 team. The team will compete in three races this season with driver Ron Hornaday, with plans to run a full schedule in '03. Hendrick Motorsports will assist BHM with marketing support, personnel recruitment and training and corporate networking. Meanwhile, there are plans for a BHM-National Guard Driver Development Program for Minorities, with the intention of developing minority drivers to compete in other racing series, including the ARCA RE/MAX Series (BHM).

MORE DETAILS: The AP's Jenna Fryer noted Belnavis and Hughes "have been involved in racing in various capacities over the years but have been unable to launch a team." Belnavis, a former Sports Marketing Dir at Miller Brewing, said, "We constantly knocked on doors and the doors were always closed. It was so frustrating to know you possess the skills, the tools and the knowledge to lead a Winston Cup [team] but couldn't get a door to open." But Belnavis added, "The relationship with Rick Hendrick is the number one reason we are here today." Meanwhile, Fryer reported while Hornaday will drive for the team this season, he "probably will be replaced because BH Motorsports wants a minority in the seat by the start of next season" (AP, 8/29). Belnavis, on the diversity program: "There are a number of [minority drivers] that haven't had the opportunity, haven't been able to get sponsorship, don't have the right support from a team standpoint, and we're going to give them all of that." Hendrick: "When you look at the stands and the viewing audience, there are an awful lot of minorities that watch us and are involved in our sport. ... I think that it's just good for NASCAR, and I think it'll pay big dividends for us" (ESPN, 8/29).