Race directors don’t just come and go at the Daytona 500, where only the third man to hold the job since 1988 — and the first Black man — is running the show.
Jusan Hamilton follows David Hoots and Tim Bermann, the only previous directors in that span.
“A very proud accomplishment for me, personally,” Hamilton told NASCAR.com. “I’ve always said as I’ve set out on this journey to work in NASCAR and contribute to the sport that I’ve had a passion for since I was a kid, that I’ve wanted to contribute in a positive way. Both in helping lead the sport forward so we’re prepared for the future and reaching new audiences as we move toward that goal of growing the sport.”
Hamilton has spent 10 years in NASCAR racing operations, working in event production, social media and leading the Drive for Diversity program that rejected him as a teen. He eventually was named race director for NASCAR’s three national series. Daytona is the culmination of a dream that some might have regarded as unlikely, Hamilton said.
“Why does an African-American kid from Upstate New York have an interest in motorsports?” Hamilton told the Associated Press that he was often asked.
His answer? He loves racing.
“For me, it was, this is what I enjoy,” Hamilton said. “This is what I love doing. There’s a huge connection with me and my family to go to the racetrack each weekend and spend the time together.”
He’ll be running the show on everything from cautions to penalties to monitoring the debut of the sport’s Next Gen car in its debut.
“It’s not necessarily about being the first Black man to call the Daytona 500,” Hamilton said. “Career-wise, it’s a huge accomplishment for me, with the passion I’ve had for motorsports. Bigger picture, I hope it sets a positive example for others that, regardless of race and background, if you work hard and have a mind-set toward your goal, it is achievable.”
