NASCAR Internship Sets Jenna Mazza Class of 2026 on Course for Career in Sports Law
Jenna Mazza's Unforgettable Summer with NASCAR
Jenna Mazza, a third-year law student at Syracuse, spent her summer working in NASCAR's legal department in Charlotte, North Carolina. The NASCAR Internship Program offered her a unique opportunity to gain hands-on legal experience in various fields, including licensing agreements, real estate, intellectual property, privacy, and media law.
Mazza's journey with NASCAR began with a dream. As a child, at the tender age of 4, she had a photo taken with Jimmie Johnson's diecast car. Fast forward to her college years, and Mazza's interest in sports law, particularly intellectual property, led her to believe that her legal knowledge would help secure the NASCAR internship.
During her time at NASCAR, Mazza was immersed in authentic legal tasks across multiple disciplines. She reviewed and drafted licensing agreements, supported intellectual property protection, addressed real estate contracts or issues tied to NASCAR venues, managed privacy concerns, and navigated media-related legal matters.
One of the highlights of Mazza's internship was attending a screening of "American Thunder: NASCAR to Le Mans." Another was meeting Jimmie Johnson in person at the NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 held at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. But perhaps the most memorable experience was the opportunity to be close to the action, going into the pits and the infield, and attending various races at the Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Mazza compares her experience at NASCAR to racing, where one can start from the back of the grid and still win the race. She believes that this internship has provided her with skills and experiences she'll never forget.
As Mazza imagines what might be ahead for her in her future career, she hopes to eventually return to work for NASCAR. She also hopes to apply her legal experience to a sports organization or a law firm specializing in sports law after graduation.
Mazza's fellow interns also posed in Victory Lane at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, a fitting end to a summer filled with learning, growth, and unforgettable experiences.
Sports were an integral part of Jenna Mazza's unforgettable summer, as she worked in NASCAR's legal department, immersing herself in the racing environment and attending various races at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Upon graduation, Mazza aims to utilize her newfound legal expertise in sports law, potentially returning to NASCAR or joining a sports organization.
