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In a groundbreaking moment for the world of motorsports, Myles Rowe, racing under the banner of Force Indy and Pabst Racing, etched his name in racing history by becoming the first Black driver to win an INDYCAR-sanctioned championship. The 23-year-old racing prodigy, clinched the 2023 Cooper Tires USF PRO 2000 title, at the prestigious Portland International Raceway in Portland, Oregon, solidifying his status as a rising star in the racing world.
Rowe’s remarkable journey towards this historic victory began when Black Indianapolis business leader Rod Reid and racing legend Roger Penske, the brains behind the most successful racing organization in history, joined forces to create the USF2000 race team. This move was part of the Race for Equality & Change diversity initiative, aimed at inclusivity and diversity within the motorsports industry. Their vision was to provide opportunities to people of color across the INDYCAR paddock, spanning from drivers to crew members.
On August 29, 2021, Rowe took a giant step towards realizing this dream when he became the first Black driver to secure victory in an INDYCAR-sanctioned race at New Jersey Motorsports Park during the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship. This historic win sent shockwaves throughout the motorsports community and emphasized the importance of initiatives like Force Indy in breaking down long-standing barriers.
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Myles Rowe’s triumph is not just a personal milestone but a great move to the transformative power of initiatives like Force Indy and the Race for Equality & Change. It underscores the need for greater representation and leadership diversity in motorsports and serves as an inspiration for aspiring drivers from underrepresented backgrounds who dare to dream big. As Rowe himself put it, “This year was a test to see what I’ve got, and luckily, I was able to pull it off.” His achievement paves the way for a more inclusive and vibrant future for INDYCAR racing, where talent knows no boundaries, and champions come in all colors and backgrounds.
Senior Editor, Digital Manager, Blogger, has been nominated for awards several times as Publisher and Author over the years. Has been with company for almost three years and is a current native St. Louisan.
