In a bombshell announcement, a group of NASCAR Cup Series drivers are giving another shot at a driver’s council – but the formation and vision is vastly different from the protégé group.
The Drivers Advisory Council or “DAC” was officially launched on Friday morning is the second time in the past decade that NASCAR’s top drivers have attempted to establish themselves as a communal entity.
This council is an independent group of eligible members that, through its passion for competition and sustainability of racing, is committed to further improving the areas of safety in motorsports, growing, and enhancing the sport, and maximizing the opportunities for drivers to achieve success both on and off the track.
The OG council formed seven years ago in 2015 on average included 10 Cup Series drivers and met several times, mostly on race weekends a year with NASCAR executives to discuss a variety of topics, including “big pictures” issues facing the sport.
That council officially dissolved prior to the start of the 2019 NASCAR Cup Series.
The new Drivers Advisory Council vibe is one filled with early structure and well-oriented goals cemented of both current and former pilots in the sport.
The stated objectives of the new council include “further improving the areas of safety in motorsports, growing and enhancing the sport, and maximizing the opportunities for drivers to achieve success both on and off the track.”
This year’s DAC will consist of a seven-member board of directors – Kurt Busch, Austin Dillon, Denny Hamlin, Corey LaJoie, Joey Logano, retired driver Kyle Petty and Daniel Suarez.
Hamlin was a vocal leader in the OG driver’s council before its dissolvement more than three years ago.
“As a current driver and also a team owner, I now see things from a different perspective and that has made me appreciate the importance of collaboration across the industry,” said Hamlin, who served on the previous council.
“The new council will deliver a unified, collective voice from the drivers to help address any challenges we face and help accomplish the common goals the industry shares.”
Former NASCAR driver and current NBC television analyst Jeff Burton will serve as the director of the council. Before the driver’s council, Burton doted as the “Mayor” of the NASCAR garage
for his often-outspoken concerns to NASCAR not only from him – but also from his fellow competitors at the time.
“I’ve been fortunate to have many roles within the sport and I’m excited to add this venture into the fold,” Burton said. “I’m humbled and honored that the drivers have asked me to help with this effort. “I believe we have a great sport, and this council has the opportunity to work together with the entire industry to make it even better.
“Personally, I will also continue my work with NBC and provide fresh insight to our viewers at home. This new role with the council will only elevate the broadcasts.”
Suarez is hopeful the DAC will offer an additional voice to increase the diversity in the sport.
“First of all, I am thrilled to be a part of this great sport. Since I started my career in NASCAR, after arriving from my home country of Mexico, I have seen a great deal of positive changes,” the driver for Trackhouse Racing said. I believe the creation of the Drivers Advisory Council will add a first-hand perspective and, in my opinion, help create more positive changes and increase the speed that diversity can have in the sport.
“This will benefit present and future sponsors, our current and future fan base, as well as the teams and viewership in general. I say this with great sincerity and commitment to support this sport, the fans and the sponsors we represent.”
The DAC said it will continue to work with NASCAR and its leaders offering its input on the future path of the sport.
“Collaboration is critical to our growth, and we welcome any opportunity to strengthen communication with our drivers,” said Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR Executive Vice President and Chief Racing Development Officer.
“We often look to drivers for input when making decisions that affect the sport, and the Drivers Advisory Council will help streamline that communication. Working together, we will continue to deliver the great NASCAR racing experience our fans expect and deserve.”
Also announced on Friday, the DAC will have a supportive relationship with the Race Team Alliance (RTA), which consists of 14 current Cup Series organizations.
“One of the keys to our sport being successful is collaboration among all of its stakeholders. Having a formalized group through which the drivers can better communicate will be a great asset for all of us,” offered Dave Alpern president of Joe Gibbs Racing and co-chair of the Team Owner Council.
“They picked the perfect guy to lead the Drivers Advisory Council in Jeff Burton and have assembled a solid Board of Directors to get the group started with a strong, unified voice.”
Petty, the son of seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Richard Petty and another NBC television analyst voiced the formation of the new council is “the start of a new era in NASCAR.”
“Through the leadership of Jeff Burton and the Board of Directors, the drivers now have a united voice, a voice that can effect change and improvement in almost every aspect of our sport,” he said.
“The DAC has the opportunity to create a legacy for generations of drivers to come.”
Logano believes the DAC will offer clarity in communication and feedback from the competitors.
“I’m thrilled to see the progress in our sport lately and feel that the Drivers Advisory Council will help progress our sport even further,” he said. “The board is made up with experienced, forward-thinking drivers with a great leader in Jeff Burton. Communication from drivers to other stakeholders in our industry has been a challenge for years.
“This will most definitely help clarify feedback from drivers and help move our sport forward with a unique perspective from behind the wheel. We have had a welcoming experience from stakeholders, and I know we can all pull the rope in the same direction. Safety, fan experience, and a great on-track product, are just some of the goals.”
Follow Chris Knight on Twitter @Knighter01.
