Marc Davis
Campers World 
East Series
East Series
Davis is loaded with talent and has shown great car control from an early age. The Drive for Diversity has allowed Davis to showcase his natural ability to drive fast and drive often. Marc has shown he is much more talented than a majority of the drivers in his division. Having Joe Gibbs and Jack Roush equipment hasnt hurt his cause either.
With tons of personality, Marc Davis just might be what NASCAR is looking for, in their pursuit for minorities in their series. Marc, with more experience, especially on larger tracks, could move the sport in the direction that could break all the barriers.
Racing quartermidgets in Quakertown, PA was Marc Davis’ first four wheel stop after achieving US-2 and Gold Cup #1 ranking in BMX bicycle racing. He was eight years old and made the transition from pedal power to horsepower. Next were junior dragsters then three years competing in 600 Racing’s Bandolero series and three seasons in Legends cars. 2003 brought two National Points Championships in both road course and dirt oval legend cars. In 2004 Marc continued his racing learning curve in the Florida FASTRUCK series driving a Roush powered Ford F-150. He also obtained his provisional license at age 14 with the National Auto Sport Association to drive his 1988 5.0 Mustang in the popular Camaro Mustang Challenge road racing series. Obtaining his full competition license at 15 Marc won the Mid Atlantic 2005 Points Championship in the Super Unlimited Division.
For this 15 year high school sophomore life is in the fast lane and he’s flying high. Marc considers his flight instruction a necessary social skill to accompany his racing passion. Davis recently passed his 10 hour mark of flight time and flies whenever his schedule permits. Marc participated in the 2005 Roush Racing Driver Development program. Under the guidance of Sam Belnavis Marc received personal attention and exposure to all phases of NASCAR racing. Davis with Belnavis teamed up to be a dominate road course force winning 5 of 6 races after a second place season opener. Mr. and Mrs. Sam Belnavis continue to mentor Marc in his racing career. 2006 brings Marc to NASCAR’S Drive for Diversity and Joe Gibbs Racing.
In his debut race with the Drive for Diversity® program and Joe Gibbs Racing, 15 year-old Marc Davis won the Limited Late Model stock car race at Hickory (N.C.) Motor Speedway Saturday night. In doing so, he became just the second African-American to win a stock car race at Hickory, joining former Joe Gibbs Racing development driver Chris Bristol who won at the famed short track last April.
After starting third, Davis took the lead during the final lap and piloted the No. 92 Levi Strauss Signature® Chevrolet to victory, making him the first Drive for Diversity driver to win in 2006. Hickory’s Limited Late Model division is one of six support classes at the historic speedway, one step below the premier NASCAR-sanctioned Late Model Stock Cars.
“The diversity program is a real source of pride for all of us at Joe Gibbs Racing,” said J.D. Gibbs, team president. “Thanks to Reggie White’s vision, our diversity program was the first to be founded and the first to win races. It’s a proving ground for young drivers like Marc Davis, and already he’s carrying on the tradition set by our original drivers – Chris Bristol and Aric Almirola.
“Talent behind the wheel of a race car comes in all shapes, sizes, creeds and colors. The program’s success has allowed the company to think long term, because we have some really good drivers developing on the grassroots level. Their success will ensure this team’s success now and in the years to come.”
With early momentum on his side, Davis will continue his season at Hickory Motor Speedway for the remainder of 2006.
“Joe Gibbs Racing and Levis Strauss Signature have given me a wonderful opportunity and I’m looking forward to an awesome year and great things to come,” added Davis.
Davis’ win was the first of 18 races that Levi Strauss Signature will serve as either his primary or associate sponsor during the 2006 season. Levi Strauss Signature is a mass channel apparel brand marketed towards families and an associate sponsor of reigning Daytona 500 champion Jimmie Johnson. Levi Strauss Signature is also an official partner of NASCAR.
“Levi Strauss Signature is proud to partner with a young and talented driver in Marc Davis,” said Scott LaPorta, President, Levi Strauss Signature brand. “We congratulate Marc on his historic victory Saturday night and look forward to achieving greater success together in 2006.”
“We are excited about our new partnership with Levi Strauss Signature and Joe Gibbs Racing,” said Bryan Kryder, Director of the Drive for Diversity program. “Levi Strauss Signature is such a trusted corporation, and with Joe Gibbs Racing – leaders in motorsports and diversity efforts – it’s great having them join forces to help develop such a talented driver.
“Marc is an exceptional young man – a fun-loving, humble individual who on the race track is a truly ambitious competitor.”
Davis, a native of Mitchellville, Md., already has several championships under his belt, most recently the 2005 NASA (National Auto Sport Association) Road Course Points Championship in the Super Unlimited Division. Davis also added team ownership to his roster in 2005. While still a sophomore at Lake Norman High School in Mooresville, N.C., he currently owns a team in the Florida FASTkids/Fastrucks Series and a Limited Late Model team at South Boston (Va.) Speedway. All the while, he maintains excellent grades while being an active member of SADD (Students Against Drunk Driving).
