Elizabethtown College Criminal Justice major Nyvani Molina ’23 is studying the rise and fall of commercialism in rally racing in the United States compared to its European counterparts. Through immersing himself in rally sub-culture, interviews with rally participants, and observations in the field, Nyvani is working to build an understanding of the sociological structures that allow the sport to flourish.
This independent summer research is part of the Summer Creative Arts and Research Program (SCARP) and is a collaboration that builds off several years of previous research by the faculty mentor.
Title of Research
Shiny Side Up: An Ethnographic and Quantitative Examination of American Stage Rally Racing
Student Researcher
Nyvani Molina ’23 (Criminal Justice major)
Faculty Mentor
Michele Kozimor, Professor of Sociology
What are you researching?
Nyvani: My research consisted of content analysis, off the cuff as well as in-depth interviews, and participation observation. I conducted each part of my research, to understand the culture of the American Rally Community and the commercialization within!
Why did you choose this research?
Nyvani: I chose this research due to my sheer interest in Motorsport, and desire to understand the unique culture within.
What is the most interesting aspect of your research?
Nyvani: The most interesting aspect within this research is the unique people that I get to be able to speak to and interview.
How has your faculty mentor helped you?
Nyvani: My mentor, Dr. Kozimor, was invaluable in helping me decide what to do with my research. Dr. Kozimor taught me how to understand and code qualitative data, as I have not been able to study any prior. She also helped me develop my presentation skills, by helping me practice many times!
Hear from the faculty mentor – Michele Kozimor
“Nyvani is completing an important part of the ongoing research on American stage rally,” Kozimor said. “He is examining the role of commercialism in the lesser-known motorsport. In addition, Nyvani was able to contribute substantially to the ongoing research by riding in a start and sweep car. He will also be conducting an interview with a mechanic who works for the Subaru Motorsports team. Nyvani was also able to add to his research skills by conducting qualitative interviews, doing participant observation, and completing a qualitative content analysis of the North American Rally Facebook page posts.
“Since there is little scholarly or mainstream written about American stage rally, he is helping to bring awareness about the sport to a larger audience. This is something those who participate in the sport are grateful for. He also volunteered at finish time control at the Southern Ohio Forest Rally which is highly valued at both Elizabethtown College and in the sport of American stage rally.”
