Professional racing is a sport dominated by White males, but it’s interesting to see how so many talented young women and minorities have put their lives into it.

Last night’s premiere of “Changing Lanes” saw 30 young females and minorities competing for a spot in NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity program. Hopefully their skills will speak louder than their gender or skin color, but not everyone is as accepting. Some of their experiences have already proven that.

Aside from racial background and gender, there’s also the financial problem. It costs thousands of dollars per year to become a professional driver, and to put it simply, some of them just don’t have it like that.

We saw last night that it’s not just the kids’ dreams on the line; their families are also affected. Supporting a career in racing might mean that a brother or sister won’t get the same financial support from a parent for their dream. It might mean a father’s interests are set to the side for his child’s life in the fast lane. No matter what background, every family has had to make sacrifices.

The competition starts with 30 drivers. They will be evaluated and undergo eliminations until a final four is chosen to compete with Revolution Racing.

Tune in Wednesdays at 8 PM/7C. Visit “Changing Lanes” here.

Do you think it’s worth all of the time, money and sacrifice to try and participate in something overly-dominated by White men?

If you’re like most people, when you think of BET, you think NASCAR.

OK. Maybe those popular acronyms don’t seem to go together yet, but they will starting Wed., Sept. 1 at 8 PM/7C with the premiere of BET’s “Changing Lanes.”

The reality show follows 30 young drivers who are vying for four spots with Revolution Racing. The contestants, all females and minorities, are part of NASCAR’s Drive 4 Diversity program.

NASCAR fans aren’t exactly those who tune in to “106 & Park” every night, so it will be interesting to watch how these minority drivers are welcomed – or not welcomed. Also, if you’ve ever wanted to know what it’s like to whip around a track at top speed, the show offers a real look as drivers struggle to prove they deserve a top spot on the track.

Which four will drive away as part of the Revolution Racing team? Tune in Wed., Sept. 1 at 8 PM/7C to follow it from the beginning. Don’t get left in the dust.

See some racing photos now.