Answer this...

Scholarship allows other women to get into this...

Recognizing there are many women interested in pursuing careers in the automotive industry, NASCAR and the UTI Foundation established the Brienne Davis Scholarship Fund for women seeking an automotive technical education. Davis, who graduated at the top of her class at UTI and went on to become a NASCAR Sprint Cup official, died tragically earlier this year at age 28, and is honored by this scholarship created to encourage women to seek a career in the automotive industry.

The Brienne Davis Scholarship Fund is intended to provide an opportunity for a qualified female student who wishes to attend the NASCAR Technical Automotive Program at the UTI's NASCAR Technical Institute in Mooresville, N.C. Each year a $10,000 scholarship will be presented to one student to attend NASCAR Tech.

Quoting this...
"NASCAR is proud to be able to honor the memory of Brienne as one of its shining stars who dedicated her time and energy to serving the sport in various roles. In doing so we also open additional opportunities for women to follow in Brienne's path and learn valuable skills through the NASCAR Technical Institute and pursue their career goals."
- Odis Lloyd, Managing Director, Automotive Aftermarket at NASCAR

The inaugural scholarship was made possible by proceeds raised through an online auction of the NASCAR Performance Show Car during The NASCAR Foundation's initiatives for NASCAR Day 2008. At this year's event, NASCAR enthusiasts were invited to make monetary contributions and bid on the NASCAR Performance Show Car donated to The NASCAR Foundation by NASCAR's Automotive Aftermarket Department.  Every dollar of the $16,000 winning bid for the car has been designated for the Brienne Davis Scholarship Fund.

Future years of the program will rely on funding through charitable contributions made to the UTI Foundation and The NASCAR Foundation.

TGOM's Afterthought on this...
It's not that I don't applaud this effort, but I have to wonder if NASCAR really making strides for women in the sport--and not just because of Mauricia Grant's recent discrimination lawsuit. On top of that, TGOM knows of another female member of the NASCAR family who is very unhappy with Mike Helton and other powers that be for their failure to deliver on several promises. She told them as much in a recent letter, while reminding them how loyal she's been to the sport by declining comment to the media on the aforementioned lawsuit.Time will tell if her situation improves or if she will determine contiued participation futile and decide to blow the whistle on the farce that NASCAR calls their "diversity" program.

Officially a devastating loss for this...

No official report has been made at this time, but a source tells TGOM that NASCAR official Brienne Davis was killed tonight in a tragic car accident. She was reportedly traveling on Interstate 77 in North Carolina when her car flipped and hit some trees.

Condolences and prayers to her family and friends on their devastating loss.

Update: The accident happened on the northbound 77 near Huntersville. A local news station reported that the truck bed was separated from the chassis and cab. Brienne was transported to Carolinas Medical Center where she was later pronounced dead.

NASCAR Statement
"We are deeply saddened at the loss of NASCAR Sprint Cup official Brienne Davis. She was a key member of our team of inspectors and will be missed by the NASCAR community."

More: Charlotte Observer

FAQtoring the smoky relationship status of this...

Q. Did Tony Stewart and Tara Roquemore break up?
A. Yes.

Q. What? When? Why?
A. No further details available. TGOM's last confirmed Tara sighting was at Lowe's Motor Speedway in May.

Q. Has Smoke moved on?
A. Tony was spotted at Eldora Speedway last week with longtime track pal, NASCAR Official and former DEI engine builder Brienne Davis.

TGOM's sources have confirmed recently, as in the past, that their relationship is something beyond that of a friendship. The first hint was dropped for Answer this... readers in the Fontana FAQs last September.

Fontana: The most FAQs from this...