The Diversity Summer Internship Program, established in 2000, is a 10-week, fulltime, paid summer internship program designed to expose diverse youth to the motorsports industry, which includes NASCAR, sponsors, licensees, teams and tracks. More than 40 interns have participated in the program. Since 1999, NASCAR has been supporting the Urban Youth Racing School, a non-profit organization based in Philadelphia that provides inner-city youth ranging in age from 8-18 with an opportunity to learn about the industry through a 10-week curriculum. Due to the growing number of applicants, the UYRS doubled the number of sessions it was offering to accommodate the interest level.

"The All-American Soap Box Derby is a natural fit with our existing efforts," Helton said. "We have been pleased with the growth and success of the Diversity Summer Internship Program and the Urban Youth Racing School and look forward to enjoying as much success with our new relationship with the All-American Soap Box Derby."

The All-American Soap Box Derby (www.aasbd.org) is an annual season-long competition, which runs from March to July. The AASBD sanctions nearly 350 local events throughout the United States each year that showcases its three major divisions as well as points-accumulating "rally" races. The major divisions are Stock, for first-time builders ages 8-17; Super Stock, for experienced builders ages 8-17; and Masters, for advanced builders ages 10-17.

All local winners advance to the Championship Race in Akron in July. The 66th running of this week-long championship event is scheduled for July 26.

Contacts: Dave Kobuszewski, NASCAR, 704-348-9634,

Bob Troyer, AASBD, 312-915-0324, troyer201@aol.com