Michael Cherry will do whatever it takes to become one of the best race car drivers in the world. For 18 straight weeks in 2008, Cherry drove 12 hours from his home in Valrico, Fla., to participate in the Drive for Diversity program at Motor Mile Speedway in Radford, Va. The 19-year-old driver’s dedication eventually earned him rookie of the year honors and inspired Nationwide Insurance to sponsor him during the 2009 racing season. Cherry recently sat down with rolling out sports to discuss his love for racing, opportunities for minorities in NASCAR, and the importance of teaming up with Nationwide for the Drive for Diversity Program. –amir shaw
When did you fall in love with racing?
I started driving at the age of 16 and I’ve been doing it ever since. When I finally got a chance to drive a race car, I couldn’t get [enough].
How does it feel to participate in a race?
Before you get in the car, you think about what can happen and what you don’t want to happen. Once you’re inside the car on the race track, everything around you stops and you’re in a zone. You’re in your own cubicle. Your adrenaline is pumping. Once they drop the flag, it’s the greatest feeling in the world.
Talk about your partnership with Nationwide Insurance.
I can’t thank Nationwide enough for helping me. Nationwide Drive for Diversity has helped me get to where I’m at now. … Their sponsorship has lifted a big weight off my shoulders. I want to prove that I can race with the big guys and show what I’m made of. This sponsorship will allow me to do just that.
What advice do you give to minorities who want to pursue a career in car racing?
… Minorities have to show up at the racetrack. You can’t be afraid to let people know that you want to race. Be there to get the opportunity. If you focus and put your mind to it, you can do it.
