DAYTONA BEACH, Florida -- For the first time in the history of Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series competition, two females were a part of the same pit crew team in the same race which included former Alcorn State University softball student-athlete Breanna O'Leary.
O'Leary and Brehanna Daniels, who are currently roommates in Charlotte, North Carolina, were a part of a five-member pit crew for the No. 51 Rick Ware Racing team of driver Ray Black Jr. on Saturday, July 7. O'Leary changed the rear tires, while Daniels changed the front tires during the Coke Zero Sugar 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway.
Black Jr. finished 16th out of 40 in the race.
Both women were recruited for NASCAR's Drive for Diversity Pit Crew Development program in 2016 after finishing as student-athletes in collegiate athletics. Daniels was a women's basketball player at Norfolk State University.
"I take a lot of pride in being a female pit crew member. To make history with another female, especially my roommate, is pretty cool. The race was really exciting and a lot of fun," O'Leary said. "When I was at Alcorn, I never, ever thought of being a pit crew member. It wasn't until NASCAR Drive for Diversity came to campus and put on their tryout. It presented an opportunity for me and I ran with it."
The Daytona race was the third of O'Leary's career and the second of 2018. She also was on the pit crew of the No. 51 team for the June 10 premier-series race at Michigan International Speedway.
O'Leary played two seasons for the Lady Braves in 2013-14. Upon graduation, she pursued a career as a strength & conditioning coach before being recruited by the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Pit Crew Development program.
O'Leary said she hopes to make it to Alcorn's homecoming football game on Oct. 6. It would be her first homecoming since she was a student.
ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS
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