Boardroom spoke to Daniels about her historic rise as NASCAR’s first Black woman tire changer, the challenges she’s faced, and how she’s paving the way for future generations in motorsports.
This feature is part of a series spotlighting women in motorsports. Be sure to circle back to check out other features on GB3’s Bianca Bustamante and content creator Tasia Johnson.
Brehanna Daniels never imagined she’d find herself in the heart of NASCAR, especially since she knew nothing about stock car racing when it was first introduced to her.
“I would just stop and be like, dang, people enjoy driving in circles for a living,” she recalls with a laugh.
Now, Daniels is a NASCAR tire changer and the first Black woman on a NASCAR Cup Series pit crew. Boardroom spoke to her about her historic rise as NASCAR’s first black woman tire changer, the challenges she’s faced, and how she’s paving the way for future generations in motorsports.
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From Athlete to Pit Crew Pioneer
Daniels’s journey into motorsports began unexpectedly as a student-athlete at Norfolk State University (NSU). While balancing basketball and an internship as a video editor, a woman from the athletics department suggested she try out for a NASCAR pit crew. NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity program came to NSU during Daniels’ senior year in 2016 to recruit potential drivers and pit crew members. Intrigued but unfamiliar with the role, she watched a video of a pit stop for the first time.
“I have no idea what they just did, but it was quick,” Daniels said.
Despite her initial uncertainty, Daniels decided to attend the tryout, where she was the only woman who showed up that day.
“Somebody told me during that trial, ‘you know, they say women don’t make it like that,’ and I was like, ‘What are you telling me that for?’ I don’t care what they said. I’m here at this trial for a reason,” she said.
That moment solidified her resolve as Daniels earned a spot among the top 10 selected for professional pit crew training. Since then, she’s continued to defy expectations, becoming a trailblazer in a space historically dominated by men.
“I just had to go through it, taking it a day at a time,” she said. “I couldn’t have learned any faster or quicker than just experiencing it.”
Defying the Odds and Making History
In 2017, Daniels made history as the first Black woman to go over the wall in a national racing series, debuting at ARCA’s race at Fairgrounds Speedway in Nashville. From there, she quickly proved her skills as a tire changer, working with ARCA driver Thad Moffit at Toledo Speedway in Ohio. She also pitted in NASCAR’s Camping World Truck Series for Cody Ware and later in the Xfinity Series for Mike Harmon, gaining valuable experience across multiple levels of the sport.
In the summer of 2017, Daniels’ career reached another milestone when she became the first Black woman to work in a pit crew at a national NASCAR race, making history at the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway. Her impact didn’t stop there — she later became a pit crew member in the NASCAR Cup Series, competing at the highest level of stock car racing. With each race, she continues to break barriers and inspire the next generation of diverse talent in motorsports.
“I feel like other women are like, ‘We need to let everybody know that it’s not just the guys doing it,” she said. “If nobody else showcases you, you gotta showcase yourself.”
Expanding Her Brand
Daniels has not only made history on pit road, but she’s also established herself as a force in the world of entrepreneurship and personal branding. She has connected with her fans more deeply through her clothing line, showcasing her unique style and commitment to breaking barriers. The line, which includes everything from casual wear to accessories, embodies her journey in NASCAR and her passion for empowering others, particularly women and people of color, to pursue their dreams without limitations. The clothing line reflects Daniels’ values of resilience, confidence, and overcoming obstacles, allowing her followers to wear a piece of her story.
“I just dropped a black and blue jersey with ‘Trailblazer’ on the front and a 757 on both sleeves, representing my hometown in Virginia. On the back, it says ‘She Did That.’ The numbers 23 on the front and back are because I was 23 years old when I joined NASCAR, and there’s also a 20 and a 16 to mark the years I got started,” she said. “It’s definitely a memorable drop for my collection.”
Daniels has built a strong and authentic presence on social media, using platforms like Instagram to share her professional achievements and personal moments. She’s inspired countless young people looking to make their mark in male-dominated industries. Whether posting behind-the-scenes glimpses of race day or speaking out on issues of diversity and representation, Daniels uses her voice to amplify causes that matter to her. Her transparent and engaging approach to social media allows her to connect with fans and supporters on a deeper level while expanding her influence beyond the racetrack.
Inspiring Future Generations
Daniels has become an advocate for increasing representation in NASCAR. She’s shared her journey through media appearances, mentorship programs, and initiatives aimed at creating more opportunities for women and people of color in the industry. Whether prepping for race day or inspiring future pit crew members, Daniels is proving she belongs in the fast lane.
Looking ahead, Daniels has her sights set on more groundbreaking moments in NASCAR, and she’s focused on paving the way for future generations of diverse talent to enter the sport.
“I want to continue to push the envelope and show that anyone, regardless of gender or background, can thrive in this space,” she said. “It’s not just about breaking barriers for myself—it’s about opening doors for others who may not have seen a path before.”
As the first Black woman to make history in NASCAR’s pit crew, Daniels is far from done. Her journey is one of resilience, determination, and a commitment to changing the landscape of motorsports for the better. With every race, she’s driving not just cars but the future of NASCAR’s diversity.
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