This is the Statt Mann Baby.  It's time to Scatt a little bit.

I was talking with a journalist friend last night about young driver Sergio Pena.  He was identified by Sports Illustrated as a newcomer worth watching in the world of sports.

Pena is also part of the BET show Changing Lanes, a reality-based competition to find a new driver for NASCAR's diversity efforts.

Another winning new comer Paulie Harraka is also part of the Changing Lanes program.  Both Pena and Harraka have glowing AND growing resumes and have the talent to be successful in stock car racing.

But it's becoming clear that NASCAR's efforts at diversity aren't JUST about finding the right driver.  They're also about finding a seat for that driver to get in.

In difficult times, teams don't have sponsors to draw from.  On top of that, has been drivers are sticking around sucking up sponsorship dollars that can be found.

Some of these drivers bring nothing to the table but their names.  Their skills might have been championship at one time but they're long gone now.

Like everyone else I have some ideas – some good and some bad – about how to correct this but I'm certain that the audience drain from NASCAR will continue until it can wash away the old so the new can shine. 

Peace.