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Ludacris brings Changing Lanes to BET, NASCAR broadens reach of fans, stars

By April MacIntyre Aug 24, 2010, 16:19 GMT

New BET show - Ludacris - Ludacris Hosts 2010 BET Awards Black Carpet Post Party - Boulevard 3 - Hollywood, CA, USA © Keadrick D. Washington / PR Photos

New series "Changing Lanes" will premiere September 1 on BET.

NASCAR is expanding to include a more diverse group of fans and participants, with an exciting new competition docu-series set to debut September 1, 2010 at 8 p.m. ET on BET Network.

Darryl Wallace, courtesy of BET

"Changing Lanes" is the first big step toward bringing African American, Hispanic and female drivers into the sport of NASCAR.

Mackena Bell, courtesy of BET

The series, narrated by rapper and actor Ludacris, follows a group of hopefuls as they compete for a coveted spot on Max Siegel’s NASCAR team.

From BET

NASCAR is evolving with “Drive for Diversity” program and Revolution Racing who support 11 teen minority drivers in an academy style development program that gives them the shot to compete at the highest level.

Many of these teens have remarkable stories as they compete against the norm, although most started racing well before they’ve earned a drivers license. Those that perform well continue in the competition, undergo further on and off-track evaluations and subsequent eliminations until there are four contestants remaining.

The final group will join Revolution Racing and compete in the 2010 Camping World Series as well as partake in a 50 lap head to head race in which the winner gets the opportunity to qualify for the Toyota All Star Showdown in Irwindale, CA.

This show captures the physical, emotional, and psychological demands that the competitors have to deal with on a day-to-day basis, as well as educates viewers about America's second most popular sport. It also unabashedly explores the issue of race and diversity within NASCAR.

Trailer

“Changing Lanes” website

NASCAR Drive for Diversity Web site:  www.drivefordiversity.info