Brehanna Daniels has become a trailblazer in the world of NASCAR. Almost 10 years into her tenure as a pit crew member she could have never thought she would break barriers as the first ever black woman pit member.
Daniels, a 2016 graduate of Norfolk State, played point guard for the Spartans’ women’s basketball team. During her senior year, NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity program visited NSU to scout potential drivers and pit crew members. She was one of just 10 candidates selected nationwide to join the program. Daniels recalls the moment when she found out she got the opportunity “I wanted to try out, and I ended up doing a really, really good job in that first try-out and then got invited to the national NASCAR Driver for Diversity pit crew combine, and I was … out of the 10 people that got selected, I was one of those 10”
Daniels started her career as a tire changer for ARCA driver Thad Moffitt at Toledo Speedway in Ohio. She then worked in NASCAR’s Camping World Truck Series, pitting for Cody Ware, and later in the Xfinity Series for Mike Harmon.
In 2017, she made history as the first Black woman to work on a pit crew in a national NASCAR race, debuting at the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway. Her groundbreaking journey didn’t stop there—she went on to work in the NASCAR Cup Series, the sport’s highest level, further cementing her place in motorsports history.
@brehannadaniels The wait is no longer…I’m super excited to share my latest drop with you! These pieces mean the world to me. As the first Black woman tire changer in NASCAR, I’ve always believed in breaking barriers and paving my own path. I joined the sport in 2016 when I was 23 years old. The word “trailblazer” isn’t just a title, it’s my story. And of course, I had to add “She did that” on the back! The 757 will always be home for me! I really hope you love these jerseys as much as I do. Check the link in my bio. The site will be open for pre-order between 10:30-11:30PM! 💪🏾🖤🏁 #fyp #foryou #clothingbrand #streetwear #nascar #racing #smallbusiness #supportsmallbusiness #breapparel #brehannadaniels #womenshistorymonth @BRE Apparel
Daniels big moves in NASCAR has made her a fan favorite for little brown boys and girls who can finally see representation in a white dominated field. Daniels embraces her role as an inspiration to NASCARS next generation of talent and crew members.
Blogged by Clarissa Elysee