Antron Brown, a native of Pittsboro, a town just outside of Indianapolis, is gearing up to compete in the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Nationals near his hometown during the weekend of Aug 30.
As one of the few drivers of color in the sport, Brown’s presence is a beacon of hope for aspiring racers and speaks to the significance of diversity in motorsports.
Brown, a veteran of nearly two decades in the NHRA, has consistently defied expectations and shattered racial barriers and broken record times. With a record of 74 career event titles, including three NHRA Top Fuel world championships, Brown is a proven force.
When asked about his return to Indy, Brown spoke with confidence about the place near where he grew up.
“The coolest part is I’m home,” Brown said. “This feels automatic; this feels easy. I feel comfortable. I am looking forward to getting out there again as we prepare for race day.”
Beyond his racing prowess, Brown is a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion in motorsports. He mentors countless young people, inspiring them to chase their dreams and break down barriers.
“If you look at our team at AB Motorsports, it is very diverse,” Brown told the Indianapolis Recorder. “It isn’t diverse because we made it that way. The team is diverse because we sought out the best attitudes, the best character and people with the best work ethic. It just happens to work out in their favor.”
Brown’s journey to the top of the NHRA hasn’t been without its challenges. Despite this, he has persevered and emerged as a winner and role model for athletes of all backgrounds.
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The presence of diverse drivers in the NHRA is crucial for the sport’s growth and success. Most fans recognize motorsports like NHRA and NASCAR to be a predominantly white sport. By showcasing drivers’ talents from different backgrounds, the NHRA can attract new fans and inspire the next generation of racers.
“Diversity is important in any sport,” said Ryan Rodriguez, a member of Brown’s pit crew. “It brings different perspectives and ideas to the table, which can lead to innovation and success.”
Rodriguez shared an analogy of why despite diversity, it is important to work as a team.
“After a race, we all have to come together as one unit to do things like disassemble and reassemble the engine,” Rodriguez said. “We all need each other.”
Brown echoed Rodriguez’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of representation.
“Some people may resonate with me, and some may resonate with Ryan [Rodriquez] on our team. He is Hispanic,” Brown told the Indianapolis Recorder. “Others may resonate with [engine specialist] Adrian Ferguson. He is Jamaican. We even have a country boy on our crew. We have every different walk of life on our team at AB Motorsports, and what that shows is that all of these guys and girls on our team had dreams.”
As Antron Brown prepares to compete in Nationals at Indianapolis Raceway Park, he is determined to continue his legacy as a champion and a trailblazer in drag racing.
“And if someone can look on our team at AB Motorsports and say, ‘That’s just like me,’ that shows them that they belong here,” Brown said. “They should be here. In drag racing, they have a place for everybody, and that is what it is all about.”
Contact multi-media & senior sports reporter Noral Parham III at 317-762-7846. Follow him on X @3Noral. For more sports, visit our archives.
