We are always taking new communities and hosts under our wing here at SimGrid, helping them propel themselves even further into the Sim Racing community. We’ve been able to partner with some really special groups of people, and ‘Driven by Diversity’ is no different.
The non-profit organisation Driven by Diversity is teaming up with the SimGrid to bring the Driven by Diversity Cup on February 19th – a two hour mini endurance race designed to raise awareness of how sim-racing can be an entry point into the motorsport industry, especially for under-represented groups.
So, we spoke to Davin Sturdivant, one of the leading faces of Driven by Diversity to learn a little more about them.
What is Driven by Diversity all about?
Driven by Diversity is all about creating opportunities for underrepresented groups often overlooked in the motorsport industry. The non-profit organisation raises funds to provide opportunities in many areas of motorsport, helping everyone build towards a more inclusive space.
Founded in 2020 in the wake of the growing social unrest in several global communties, they, just like many others, were inspired by figures such as Lewis Hamilton and Bubba Wallace. Now, they turn that into reality, as they aim to make “people more aware of the detrimental impacts of systemic racism”, in all areas of motorsport, both in real life and now in the simulator.
Davin told us more about the cause and those behind it.
“Driven by Diversity is all about creating opportunities for underrepresented groups often overlooked in the motorsport industry. Our non-profit organisation raises funds to develop interest projects in many areas of motorsport, working to build towards a more inclusive space.
Our team comprises people with professional experience and connections within the motorsport and automotive industries, who work together to create new entry points into the motorsport community, to encourage mentorship, education and professional career opportunities.”
How does Driven by Diversity work towards their end goal?
Driven by Diversity is all about creating opportunities for underrepresented groups often overlooked in the motorsport industry. The non-profit organisation raises funds to provide opportunities to develop interests in many areas of motorsport, allowing us to build towards a more inclusive space.
People must understand that reaching equality isn’t an easy feat, but, as Davin told us, “although we couldn’t solve every problem, we wanted to start working together to move the needle in a positive direction however we could”.
“Events like the Driven by Diversity Cup help to encourage greater interest in motorsport from a wider group of people in a more accessible and engaging way, and that can encourage people to have a longer-standing interest in our sport, and begin to find ways to continue to be involved either through automotive clubs or through developing their professional careers.”
Davin was keen to outline the drive everyone on the team shares, too, as they work tirelessly for the greater good of the community. “My team is passionate about both motorsports and finding solutions to economic and social barriers that can prevent individuals and certain communities from having access to opportunities required to succeed in the industry.”
Driven by Diversity in Sim Racing
Whilst Driven by Diversity make shockwaves in the real world of motorsport, they’re also coming into the Sim Racing world with the same aim. Davin and the rest of his team really saw the value in the virtual world, as he told us why he holds the alternate side of racing so dearly.
“Sim racing is a unique environment which brings accessibility to motorsports that are different from anywhere else.
“With the ever-growing expense costs required to enter motorsport, sim-racing provides an environment to teach people the fundamentals of racecraft, car setup and motorsports competition in an approachable and achievable way.”
With inclusion at the core of the organisation, Sim Racing is a level playing field that is perfect for equality in an otherwise “only for the elite” sport, encapsulating the very values of Driven by Diversity.”
The Driven by Diversity Cup
On February 19th, we are teaming up with Driven by Diversity to bring you the Driven by Diversity Cup. With space for 40 cars, you can race for a great cause, either solo or with a teammate, for 2 hours of Silverstone. A fantastic track that will always pose you a challenge, Silverstone is the perfect place for a mini endurance event, especially for such a great cause. Designed to bring anyone and everyone together from the Sim Racing community, it’ll be 120 minutes of fun racing action.
Streamed live on both YouTube and Twitch, even if you can’t make the race itself, you can still keep up with the action, and of course, donate to Driven by Diversity.
Interested in donating towards this event, or others Driven by Diversity is supporting? Click here to donate.
