NASCAR

2009 Diversity class news 2009-03-04

Bumbera Ready To Get Rolling; 2009 D4D class primed for Camping World Series Drive for Diversity participant Kristin Bumbera is ready to begin the 2009 NASCAR Camping World Series East season next month, but the 21-year-old racer is still ...

Published: Jun 19, 2009, 7:46 PM

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Bumbera Ready To Get Rolling; 2009 D4D class primed for Camping World Series

Drive for Diversity participant Kristin Bumbera is ready to begin the 2009 NASCAR Camping World Series East season next month, but the 21-year-old racer is still receiving recognition for her on and off-track performance in 2008. The Sealy, Texas native was recently honored as the 2008 Drive for Diversity Participant of the Year at the annual NASCAR Diversity Awards Luncheon.

"I would not be receiving this award if not for my Golden State Racing team - Frank Jordan and Eric Snyder and everything they've done," Bumbera said. "To be chosen by my peers as well as NASCAR executives for such an award is really humbling. I just do what I know is important and take care of business every day."

The Drive for Diversity Participant of the Year award is presented to a single driver or crew member recognized for outstanding performance on-track, as well as reaching out to youth regarding NASCAR and motorsports.

Last season Bumbera drove for Golden State Racing in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series. She scored two wins, 12 top fives and 14 top 10s as a first-year participant in the Drive for Diversity program. In 2009 Bumbera will make the transition from driving late models to competing full-time in the NASCAR Camping World Series East. She will drive the No. 94 for Hamilton Racing team owner Bobby Hamilton, Jr. beginning Saturday, April 11 at Greenville-Pickens Speedway in Greenville, S.C.

Other Drive for Diversity participants competing in the NASCAR Camping World Series include:

Paul Harraka (Fairlawn, N.J.) -- After winning the 2008 All-American track championship at All-American Speedway in Roseville, Calif., Harraka will make his 2009 NASCAR Camping World Series West debut for Bill McAnally Racing at Thunderhill Raceway in Kyle, Tex. on March 14. Harraka is also wrapping up his freshman year at Duke University where he is majoring in mechanical engineering and public policy.

Jonathon Gomez (Twin Falls, Idaho) -- Gomez will also be making his 2009 debut at Thunderhill Raceway later this month. He and team owner Rob Dixon have been busy preparing for the upcoming season -- they have plans to run the full NASCAR Camping World Series West schedule and compete in select late model events throughout the season.

Jonathan Smith (Beacon Falls, Conn.) -- Smith, entering his third season with the Drive for Diversity program, has teamed up with two-time NASCAR Camping World Series East champion Mike Olsen for the 2009 season. Smith will be driving the No. 16 for Fadden Racing when the season kicks off at Greenville-Pickens Speedway.

Drive for Diversity, managed by The 909 Group, seeks to develop minority and female drivers in the NASCAR Camping World Series and NASCAR Whelen All-American Series. Since the creation of NASCAR's leading on-track diversity initiative in 2004, 22 drivers have competed, winning 28 races. Last year, the eight drivers combined for 14 wins, 90 top tens and a first-ever track championship. Drive for Diversity also supports crew member candidates each year. The Drive for Diversity program is committed to supporting and enhancing diversity in all aspects of motorsports. Much of the success of the Drive for Diversity initiative is a result of support from key sponsors and involved team owners.

-credit: nascar

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