Lawsuit doesn't spur North Carolina A&T students to rethink racing

Photo: Mauricia Grant, a former NASCAR official, filed a $225 million discrimination lawsuit against NASCAR last week alleging racial and sexual discrimination and wrongful termination (USPresswire, Mike Basso).

BROOKLYN, MI - Joshua Lewis still aspires to obtain a job in NASCAR. Yes, the 20-year-old in North Carolina A&T 's motorsports program has heard about this week's lawsuit that alleges racist and sexist allegations against NASCAR. No, he won't abandon his goal. Instead the lawsuit motivates him to help change the stock-car racing series. "I want to be one to bring about more diversity," he said.

Other classmates echoed his comments. Even Mauricia Grant, the woman who cites racial, sexual and gender discrimination in her suit against NASCAR, says she would recommend that minorities be a part of the sport. "We have to work together to change the racist culture and, anyone who has an interest in motorsports, they should be allowed to work in that environment without having to deal with racism or sexism or racially ignorant people," Grant said this week.

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VIEW ENTIRE MAURICIA GRANT DISCRIMINATION LAWSUIT

In Grant's lawsuit, the 32 year old former NASCAR Official cites 23 specific incidents of sexual discrimination and 34 specific incidents of racial or gender discrimination. NASCAR officials Tim Knox and Bud Moore were placed on indefinite administrative leave Friday and are accused of exposing their genitals to Mauricia Grant.

She also is suing for wrongful termination after being fired from her job as a technical inspector responsible for certifying cars in the Nationwide Series. She was employed from January 2006 to October 2007, when NASCAR fired her citing poor work performance. Grant suit claims the termination was done in retaliation for filing complaints for workplace discrimination and sexual harassment.

NASCAR doesn't stand a chance to win this suit with 57 possible breaches of federal law and a well established culture of discrimination that is of no secret to the world. Look for Ms. Grant to prevail in this forthcoming battle that won't make it to the Court.

Grant's Bio

• Hired by NASCAR in January 2005, becoming NASCAR's first African-American female official.


• Successfully graduated from the Los Angeles Urban League Automotive Training Center (ATC) in 2004 with honors.


• Graduated from Stony Brook University.


• Born in The Bronx, New York in Eastchester Projects; raised by a single parent mother of four.