The Drive for Diversity program is a development system instituted by NASCAR in 2004 in order to attract minorities and women to the sport in positions such as ownership, driving and crew members. Before an applicant is accepted into the program, their resumes are checked by NASCAR officials. The system is similar to the driver development program where applicants slowly progresses through minor-league racing organizations. This program came about during the 2004 season by NASCAR marketing executives in order to attract the minority fan base to the sport.