Former Science Hill student getting hands-on experience in NASCAR's competitive Diversity Inte

Before this summer, Emanuel Reid’s only link to the fast-paced sport of NASCAR was in Martinsville, Va., in 2006.

Reid, who transferred from Science Hill High School in Johnson City, Tenn., to Martinsville High after the completion of his sophomore year, served as the grand marshal for the 2006 spring race at Martinsville Speedway after the Martinsville Bulldogs won the state basketball championship.

"Other than hearing about Bristol Motor Speedway from my father growing up, that was my only experience with NASCAR," said Reid, the son of former East Tennessee State basketball star Winfred Reid.

Until now, that is.

This year, Reid was selected to be one of 22 students from across the United States to participate in the 2010 NASCAR Diversity Internship Program, which sees more than 100 applications every year. Coordinated by the Diversity Affairs Department, the program gives minority college students the opportunity to complete a 10-week, full-time, paid summer internship within the motorsports industry.

The highly competitive selection process is based on academic success, areas of interest, extracurricular activities and awards, a personal statement and references.

"In many ways, our internship program is like a career-match service," said Marcus Jadotte, NASCAR’s managing director of public affairs, who also oversees the diversity department. "It’s a way for bright college students to have hands-on experience with career opportunities and test drive their future careers."

Since its start in 2000, interns have gained experience working in marketing, engineering, public relations, licensing, broadcasting, sales, diversity and public affairs. In addition to NASCAR, the program involves several sponsors, licensees, teams, tracks and other motorsports-related companies, such as the SPEED Channel, Joe Gibbs Racing and Bristol Motor Speedway.

Reid, a junior at Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, N.C., applied for the internship in November with very little knowledge of the inner-workings of NASCAR.

"I love sports, and since NASCAR is a big sports industry, I thought it would be a big opportunity for me," he said.

After surviving the extensive interview process and receiving the internship offer in April, Reid began working for the Diversity Affairs Department in Daytona Beach, Fla., where he’s been developing a marketing program for the internship program and setting up a speaker series to promote the sport. Reid also serves as the editor of the NASCAR Diversity Intern newsletter - The INTERNal Journal.

While Reid admits the internship is "a lot of work," the rewards pay a bigger dividend.

"It’s nice to be around corporate executives who have been in my shoes before, who have shared the same ups and downs. They sit me down and tell me what I need to do to be successful," he said. "They really try to develop my skills. Being such a family-friendly sport, you can tell they really want me to succeed."

Jadotte described Reid as a "strong communicator" and someone who is "good at going from an idea on paper to a finished product."

This could prove to be good news for the 21-year-old, since many of the internship participants receive full-time positions in the industry after they graduate.

"You are networking with so many people in the industry, so it is a good way to get your foot in the door," said Reid.

The internship concludes on August 3, and Reid said he has many memories to take back with him to Johnson City and Charlotte.

"Hands down, meeting Dale [Earnhardt] Jr. at the All-Star race and receiving his autograph during our orientation was probably the best moment so far," Reid said. "After the experience of meeting so many welcoming and interesting people, I am proud to say I am a part of the NASCAR team and a dedicated fan."

For more information on the internship program or to see how NASCAR is promoting diversity within the sport, visit www.nascardiversity.com.

rroorda@bristolnews.com | (276) 645-2576