Husqvarna Joins Drive for Diversity Crew Development Program

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Husqvarna will sponsor the first six Drive for Diversity crew members competing with race teams on the NASCARÒ Busch Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, respectively, during the 2004 season. Drive for Diversity is a minority driver and crew member development program created and managed by Access Marketing & Communications, a member of The Radiate Group.

Husqvarna, one of the initial corporate sponsors of the Drive for Diversity program, serves as the forest, lawn, and garden equipment of NASCAR.

“We are pleased to be working with Access, along with NASCAR, to create opportunities through the Drive for Diversity program,” said David Zerfoss, president of Husqvarna.  “The combination of these resources plus the abilities of the crew member participants will ensure the success of the program.”

Husqvarna joins a growing list of sponsors and race teams supporting the inaugural Drive for Diversity program. The six Husqvarna sponsored crew members will receive on-the- job training and mentorship so they can have the opportunity to take their motorsports careers as far as their talent and dedication will take them. 

The crew members were chosen from more than 40 qualified competitors who participated in Drive for Diversity’s Combine Testing and Evaluation held earlier this year at 5 Off 5 On Race Team Performance Center. 

“We are excited that Husqvarna shares our vision and commitment with NASCAR to create and manage a minority crew member development program,” said Greg Calhoun, president, Access Marketing & Communications.  “We are looking forward to a strong partnership with Husqvarna as we work together with NASCAR to grow the pool of qualified NASCAR competitors and enthusiastic fans to reflect our nation’s diverse citizenship.”