Zach Herrin

While NASCAR may have a certain reputation, especially among fans in conservative parts of middle America, pro stock car driver Zach Herrin is helping to change that. One of the very few out drivers in the sport, Herrin hopes his visibility in one of the country’s most cherished and watched pastimes helps ensure a future where there aren’t so few LGBTQ+ racers competing.

“I want to help pave the way for other LGBTQ+ individuals who also want to chase a dream and find professional careers of all forms within motorsports, or more specifically NASCAR, because people are what makes our sport so amazing,” Herrin says.

And though he says one of the biggest obstacles in the world of racing and NASCAR is hesitance from outside companies to sponsor and partner with an out gay driver like himself, he is still pushing forward into the 2024 season ready to identify the right people who are willing to stand on the right side of history.

“When you find the right allies, they’ll run the whole race with you,” he says. “Times are very difficult for our community right now so we all must continue to drive forward to make a better and safer world for LGBTQ+ folks of tomorrow.” @zach.herrin