Daba Coura Mbow
When discussing the future of motorsports, professionals often highlight the challenge of engaging young enthusiasts. Beyond the hefty costs associated with vehicles and equipment, there exists a significant experiential investment required for meaningful participation in any aspect of racing. This hurdle is particularly daunting for young individuals with limited financial resources.
On January 24, 2024, from 4 to 7 pm, the University of Michigan-Flint’s College of Innovation & Technology hosted an event featuring Dr. Shirl Donaldson, an Assistant Professor specializing in business problem-solving. The highlight of the evening was the presence of Rod Reid, an entrepreneur and principal of an IndyCar racing team based in Indianapolis. As a pioneer in the field, Reid, who is among the first African American men to lead an IndyCar team, founded Nexgeneration (NXG), a non-profit organization dedicated to imparting life skills to youth in underserved communities through racing.
Reid’s visit, facilitated by the School of Management’s Hagerman Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, focused on fostering diversity in motorsports. He shared insights into his initiatives aimed at broadening representation within the sport. Following a successful corporate career, Reid established NXG Youth Motorsports to empower young individuals, especially African Americans and minorities from marginalized backgrounds, to become responsible drivers both on the track and in life. NXG operates a Youth Motorsports Academy tailored for 11 to 15-year-olds, integrating racing with middle school academic standards in mathematics and science through the use of go-karts as educational tools.
The University of Michigan-Flint’s connection with the community known as “Vehicle City,” underscores the significance of engagement for both the university and the local community. Mr. Reid’s journey serves as a testament to the transformative potential of motorsports in nurturing entrepreneurial aspirations for the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators.