As NASCAR continues the tradition of fast cars and constant innovation, it also remains committed to fostering an environment where everyone, especially African-American fans and professionals, feels welcomed and excited to be part of the action. With more and more diverse faces joining its workforce, it’s a perfect time to go behind the scenes to uncover the stories of the sport’s unsung heroes: folks like track services personnel, digitals services team members, producers, and sustainability specialists who help keep the ship running smoothly. These are the technical wizards who help keep the wheels turning, and their journeys are proof that NASCAR is, indeed, a place for everyone.
Dr. Kendra Cooper is pushing boundaries in both education and sustainability. As the STEM Education and Sustainability Senior Manager at NASCAR, Cooper has a unique role in integrating STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) learning with the high-octane world of racing. Boasting a doctorate, a masters and two bachelor’s degrees, she came to NASCAR from Microsoft. Prior to that, she worked as a high school teacher for 15 years. Now Cooper is using that expertise to partner with local schools, educators and industry leaders in the markets where NASCAR races to create programs that make learning fun and relevant by connecting it to NASCAR’s technical and environmental innovations.
“STEM touches every part of NASCAR, and it’s crucial that kids understand that,” Cooper says. “Through programs that include gaming, simulation, and graphic design, we’re helping to shape the next generation of engineers and innovators. And it’s not just about teaching in the classroom—getting students out to the track is an experience that can change their lives.”
Cooper is also leading NASCAR’s sustainability initiatives, working to minimize the sport’s carbon footprint and ensure that it is paving the way for an environmentally conscious future.
Meanwhile, for Mike Phillips, the journey to NASCAR came as an unexpected but welcomed twist. After a career as a firefighter and paramedic, he found himself drawn into the world of motorsports by sheer chance while working at a race track in Rockingham, North Carolina. Phillips noticed inefficiencies in the way the fire and rescue teams operated during races, and after providing the team with some important insight, he joined the team, and became part of the change.
Since then, Phillips has risen through the ranks to become Managing Director of Track Services, overseeing fire and rescue, track repair, and vehicle recovery at every NASCAR national series event.
“It was a leap of faith, but looking back, it was the right one,” Phillips says. In 2022, he launched a pre-season training seminar to ensure that his teams are always prepared to handle emergencies on race day, keeping pace with the ever-evolving technology of NASCAR’s vehicles. His work has not only improved safety protocols but also set new standards for the sport.
Along those same lines and at the heart of the technical operations, Malcolm Cosper ensures that every vehicle on the track meets NASCAR’s rigorous standards. As a technical inspector, Cosper operates the Optical Scanning Station that travels to each NASCAR race weekend, meticulously cross-referencing data to ensure that each car is race-ready and compliant with NASCAR’s exacting specifications.
Cosper’s journey into motorsports seems almost destined. Growing up in Detroit, with both parents working for Ford, he was surrounded by automotive culture from a young age. His formal education in motorsports technology at North Carolina A&T State University further solidified his path into NASCAR.
“This is what I was meant to do,” Cosper reflects. His attention to detail and commitment to fairness ensures that every race is as competitive as it is thrilling.
On the creative side of NASCAR, Aurora Bellard brings stories to life through her work as a producer in NASCAR Studios. Since joining the team in 2018, Bellard has played a key role in redefining how the sport connects with its fans through branded content and client-focused projects. Her career path wasn’t always centered on NASCAR, but once she joined the organization, she found a passion for telling the stories that unfold both on and off the track.
“When I started, I didn’t know much about NASCAR, but I quickly fell in love with it,” says Bellard. “I wanted to show the world the depth of the sport and how it goes beyond just racing. There’s a story to be told in every corner, from the fans to the behind-the-scenes professionals who make it all happen.”
Bellard’s dedication to capturing the essence of NASCAR has allowed her to rise through the ranks, and today, she’s responsible for creating content that brings NASCAR’s vibrant culture to life for its diverse fanbase.
Tanya Stevens, now a driving force in NASCAR’s Digital Services division, exemplifies the importance of adaptability and determination. After her career in client services and sponsorships was disrupted by layoffs during the economic impact of COVID, she took the opportunity to regroup and evolve. Rather than seeing obstacles, Stevens viewed the moment as a chance to pivot into a new job at NASCAR where she’d soon become a powerhouse. Embracing digital media, she carved out a new path for herself in a rapidly changing landscape. Today, as the manager of digital media at NASCAR, Stevens leads a team that oversees over 10 NASCAR-operated websites.
“I had to find a way to be indispensable, and digital services made sense,” Stevens explains, reflecting on her journey. “Everything was going virtual, and it was the perfect time to dive into that space. Now, I get to shape how fans interact with NASCAR online, whether they’re diehard enthusiasts or curious newcomers exploring the sport.”
Stevens’s dedication shines in her current role, where she works tirelessly to ensure that NASCAR’s digital platforms are both user-friendly and engaging for all fans.
Each of these individuals is helping to redefine what NASCAR stands for, showing that there is no one path to success in the sport. Whether it’s through innovation, education, safety or storytelling, they are proving that NASCAR is not only inclusive but also forward-thinking. Their collective journeys reflect the organization’s commitment to pushing boundaries and welcoming new perspectives.
