In 1992–93, Strong was named the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) Most Valuable Player, while playing with the Quad City Thunder.

[1] During his tenure in the NBA, Derek was an avid NASCAR fan and remained committed to pursuing this childhood dream when his playing days ended.

Strong Racing is the first team in NASCAR history to have African-American female owners – Dawn Whitaker and Erika Hill.

[3] Strong supports many charities including The Music City Motorsports Institute, a non-profit associated with Strong Racing that seeks to motivate and inspire students to achieve academic success with an educational platform of learning, discovery and fun in the motor sports industry.

[3] Co-owner of Strong Racing, Erika Hill is also the co-founder of Peace International, a non-profit organization whose primary mission is to build schools in remote areas throughout the world.