Busch Light Accelerate Her Program drives toward more gender equality

As NASCAR prepares take to the Daytona International Raceway, the drivers appreciate that the experience is not just another left turn around the track. The history and significance of that event makes it an opportunity to discuss not just the results on the track but the opportunities that lay ahead. With the Busch Light Accelerate Her Program, the longstanding NASCAR partner looks to drive gender equality into the conversation.

The gender conversation and sports take many forms. While Title IX and Billie Jean King might have started a change in creating more equal footing, the reality is that gender equality may not be a balanced scale. From barriers to entry to changing the perception, it is more than just skill that earns a spot on the roster.

With the Busch Light Accelerate Her Program, the concept is to push the gender inclusivity forward, not just in words but with sponsorship. This concept sets the goal to support “next generation of women drivers.” Although it will not be a speedy race to an end goal, the slow and steady pace looks to make systemic change.

Although Busch Light has a long partnership with NASCAR, the brand admits that “NASCAR Cups Series field is dominated by male drivers.” This program looks to “provide more funding, track time, media exposure and training to every 21+ woman driver in NASCAR.”

As Krystyn Stowe, Senior Brand Director, Busch Family of Brands at Anheuser-Busch said, “Through our sponsorship rights and our platform, we’re seizing the opportunity to make historic progress toward gender inclusivity and while the immediate program goals may start here, we hope the sentiment will carry far beyond that, encouraging the broadest level of inclusivity across all sports.”

While this program starts with a highly male dominated field, there could be cross over into other sports. Although there may be differences between male and female athletes, the idea is to open the ability to try. If a woman can perform and achieve similar to her male counterparts, why should she not have the opportunity as others. The ability to dream big should not be snuffed out because of a pronoun associated with the athlete.

For now, the Busch Light Accelerate Her Program is just starting to rev its engines. While there might be no checked flag, there can be a way to win with systemic change within sport.