York High freshman Macy Causey has made a habit of setting milestones in the world of motor sports.
After becoming the youngest woman to race at Langley Speedway in April and winning Langley’s Rookie of the Year honors in the same season, Causey is again making history — this time as the youngest driver to compete in the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Combine.
The Drive for Diversity Combine is a three-day evaluation period for ethnically diverse and female drivers. A limited number of drivers who perform well at the combine will get the opportunity to compete in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and NASCAR Whelen All-American Series for a full season.
In addition, the selected drivers will receive equipment, mentoring and competition experience in competitive racing leagues thanks to a partnership with Rev Racing, an auto racing team formerly owned by Dale Earnhardt Inc.
Upon learning of her selection to compete in the combine almost two weeks ago, Causey said she and her parents were “cheering and screaming” with excitement.
“We were all really, really happy and excited that I got the opportunity to do that,” she said.
For Causey, being selected to compete with Rev Racing would be a major step forward in her career. Not only would she receive training from regional and national racing instructors, but it would also allow her to learn firsthand from experienced drivers from within the organization.
With so much riding on performances at the combine, during which drivers will have their on-track skills, strength and agility tested, it is no surprise the field of competitors is filled with talent.
This year’s group of 22 combine attendees include 13 women, four drivers from the NASCAR Mexico Series and other upcoming drivers from across North America.
For one of the first times in her career, Causey, the lone driver under 16 years old, will no longer be the only woman driver on the track.
“I think it’s definitely going to feel different,” she said. “At the same time, they’re all doing the same thing I’ve been doing. They’ve probably been the only girl when they’ve raced.”
Like the other drivers, the Drive for Diversity Combine offers a potential life-changing opportunity for those selected. Luckily for Causey, she will be more familiar with her surroundings during the three-day event.
This year’s combine is being held at Causey’s home track of Langley Speedway from Oct. 19 to 21. All participants will also travel to Hampton University to partake in strength and agility exercises.
Being familiar with the track is a relief to Causey, but that does not mean she is taking the competition lightly. With roughly five spots to fill from the combine, Causey is expecting a competitive atmosphere.
“I think a lot of it is friendly and hanging out, but we’ve got to do what we’ve got do to,” she joked. “When we’re on the track, we’re definitely not going to be the most friendly. I think on the track it’s going to be a lot more competitive.”
With a well-established racing pedigree, Causey said she is looking forward to getting on the track and showing scouts what she is capable of achieving.
And even if not selected to compete with Rev Racing, Causey is still looking forward to the learning experience that comes with competing against other top drivers.
“I really do have a strong thought about going [into the combine] and being chosen by Rev Racing,” she said. “I’m hoping to go in there, show them what I can do and hopefully they see it and ask me to be a part of Rev Racing.”
Related Coverage:
- Macy Causey Earns First Top-Five Finish at Langley Speedway
- Despite Crash, 14-Year-Old Macy Causey Emphasizes Positives During Second Raceday at Langley Speedway
- Macy Causey Makes History, Finishes 13th During First Race at Langley Speedway
- York County Girl, 14, Set to Become Youngest Female to Race at Langley Speedway
