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Engines, Art, and Access: How Black Motorsports is Driving Detroit Youth Toward Global STEM Dreams

July 4, 2025

The 2025 Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix showcased not only high-speed racing but also community inclusion and diversity initiatives in motorsports. Young artists from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan (BGCSM) created murals for the event space, while Black-owned Curry Motorsports announced a summer boot camp program supported by a $25,000 investment. The Grand Prix emphasized making racing more inclusive, with BGCSM teens participating in global mobility coding programs and free access to portions of the racetrack for spectators.

Who is affected

  • Youth from Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan
  • Black and Brown youth interested in motorsports careers
  • Detroit community members and residents
  • Spectators and racing fans
  • Underrepresented groups in the motorsports industry

What action is being taken

  • BGCSM youth are creating murals for the Grand Prix event space
  • Curry Motorsports is launching a 5-week engine-building summer boot camp with a $25,000 investment from Detroit Auto Dealers Association
  • The Grand Prix is providing free access to half of the racetrack for public viewing
  • BGCSM teens are participating in international mobility coding programs focused on autonomous vehicle development
  • Community groups are hosting tech showcases at the Grand Prix

Why it matters

  • The initiatives promote diversity and inclusion in the traditionally homogenous motorsports industry
  • The programs provide educational and career opportunities for underserved youth
  • Detroit is reclaiming and evolving its automotive legacy through a cultural lens
  • The events contribute to economic development in Detroit
  • Young people gain exposure to STEM fields, automotive engineering, and high-performance vehicle technology
  • The efforts help close representation gaps in racing, following pioneers like Wendell Scott, Lewis Hamilton, and Bubba Wallace

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle