Brehanna Daniels stands tall as NASCAR’s first Black female tire changer, breaking barriers and creating new opportunities in the traditionally white male-dominated motorsports world. The Norfolk State graduate never imagined herself changing tires at breakneck speeds. Yet today, she performs this crucial role with precision and determination, forever changing the face of NASCAR.
“Stepping onto pit road for the first time was a mix of emotions,” says Daniels. “I was joining a space where not a lot of people look like me.” Despite initial doubts and pressure, her excitement and resolve have propelled her forward in this groundbreaking career.
Breaking Barriers in Motorsports: A New Legacy Begins
As the first Black female NASCAR Tire Changer and Cup Series pit crew member, Daniels has carved out a space that simply didn’t exist before her arrival. Her journey serves as a blueprint for future generations of Black women who might never have considered racing as a viable career path.
The significance of her presence extends far beyond her technical skills. “Knowing that this was bigger than me kept me going,” she explains. Her motivation stems from a desire to inspire others. Through her work, she demonstrates that Black women can not only enter spaces traditionally dominated by others but truly excel in them.
From Norfolk State to NASCAR: An Unexpected Career Path
Daniels’ path to NASCAR wasn’t predetermined or traditional. “NASCAR wasn’t part of my upbringing or background,” she admits. The sport wasn’t even on her radar growing up. After all, few young Black girls see themselves represented in motorsports.
“Thirteen-year-old Brehanna would be shocked to see my current reality,” she reflects. What began as an improbable dream has evolved into a career that challenges every preconception about who belongs in racing. Her presence in the pit crew area represents a major shift in the sport’s demographics and culture.
The Physical and Mental Demands of Pit Crew Excellence
The physical demands of Daniels’ role often go underestimated by outsiders. She maintains a rigorous training schedule, working out five to six times weekly, treating her body like the precision instrument it needs to be for her high-pressure job.
“Just walking around the track is a workout in itself,” she explains. On race days, she logs over 10,000 steps before most people finish their morning coffee. Mental strength proves equally crucial. Daniels cherishes quiet moments before races, knowing that once the competition begins, she’ll be immersed in an intense symphony of noise and high-speed action.
Authenticity and Representation: Bringing Her Whole Self to the Track
Daniels’ commitment to authenticity extends beyond her technical performance. Her pre-race routine reflects her personal identity. “I have to have my baby hairs laid for race day and my mascara on,” she laughs. But her preparation goes deeper – fueling with healthy foods and taking time to pray.
Many professionals can relate to the challenge of bringing their whole selves to work, especially in environments where they represent a minority. For young Black women who might feel intimidated by seemingly unwelcoming spaces, Daniels offers clear advice: “Work hard at your craft every single day and build your own path forward.”
Creating Access and Opportunities Through Strategic Partnerships
Recently partnering with Straight Talk Wireless, Daniels has found a brand that aligns with her mission of breaking barriers. “It gives me pleasure to partner with brands that align with my personal drive,” she notes. This collaboration extends her impact beyond the racetrack.
Through initiatives like the #WinToWaveSweepstakes, she works to democratize the NASCAR experience, offering fans unprecedented access to the sport. Her approach remains deeply personal, focused on opening doors that previously remained closed to many communities, especially people of color.
A Legacy Still in the Making: Inspiring the Next Generation
Daniels continues writing a story bigger than herself, showing every child who’s ever felt out of place that there’s room to dream, push boundaries, and belong in any field. Her presence in NASCAR represents not just personal achievement but a fundamental shift in what’s possible.
Her journey provides tangible proof that representation matters. Young Black girls can now see someone who looks like them excelling in motorsports. As Daniels herself puts it, she’s “just getting started,” suggesting that her ultimate impact on NASCAR and sports broadly has only begun to take shape.
By challenging norms and excelling in her role, Brehanna Daniels isn’t just changing tires – she’s changing the entire landscape of professional racing, one pit stop at a time.
