Big Names, Small Karts, Great Cause: NHRA Stars Support B.R.A.K.E.S.

NHRA stars Matt and Angie Smith, Michael Ray, and John Hall joined multi-time Top Fuel champion Doug Herbert in support of his B.R.A.K.E.S. lifesaving teen driver training program at the inaugural  “B.R.A.K.E.S. Grand Prix – Race 2 Save Lives Pro-Am Go Kart Challenge” at Trackhouse Motorplex in Mooresville, N.C.

The special event featured competition between 20 teams for prizes and ultimate bragging rights. The evening was also highlighted by autograph sessions, a car show, great food, and additional attractions

In addition to NHRA competitors, dozens of stars from throughout the motorsports world joined Herbert to support the B.R.A.K.E.S. mission. Listed alphabetically, this included  Justin Allgaier, Aric Almirola, Todd Bodine, Kurt Busch, Trevor Cline, Matt Crafton, Kelley Earnhardt, Ariel Egger, Josh Hansen, Devin Jones, Jesse Love, Wyatt Miller, Connor Mosack, Brad Noffsinger, Matteo and Max Papis, Phil Parsons, Kyle Petty, Austin Randolph, Ralph Sheheen, Scott Speed, Kenny Wallace, Mike Wallace, Rusty Wallace and Michael Waltrip.

“I’m honored that so many from the motorsports community took the time to join us for this very special evening, which will help us further our goal of training teens and their parents across the country, saving lives and making roadways safer,” said B.R.A.K.E.S. Founder Doug Herbert.

The B.R.A.K.E.S. Pro-Am Go-Kart Challenge” was supported by Championship Sponsor HendrickCars.com; Victory Lane Sponsor Mark Ficken Lincoln; Pit Road Sponsors Comparion Insurance Agency, CPI Security Systems, TowneBank; and DCLI.

The special event benefitted the national non-profit B.R.A.K.E.S. (Be Responsible And Keep Everyone Safe), which teaches lifesaving behind-the-wheel skills to teens and their parents. B.R.A.K.E.S. was established by Herbert in 2008,  following the tragic car crash deaths of his sons, Jon and James. To date, the program has trained more than 175,000 people, saving countless lives and making U.S. roadways safer.

Steadfast in making a difference, Herbert and his team of professional instructors have provided teens and their parents with the critical behind-the-wheel skills required to save lives and make the country’s roadways safer. Through their participation, B.R.A.K.E.S. graduates are 64 percent less likely to be involved in a crash within their first three years of driving, according to an independent study conducted by the University of North Carolina Charlotte.

Utilizing vehicles provided by Kia Motors, B.R.A.K.E.S. offers extensive behind-the-wheel instruction. Exercises focus on the five leading causes of crashes for new drivers: distracted driving awareness, panic braking, crash avoidance, drop-wheel/off-road recovery and car control/skid recovery.  Additional educational elements include instruction on safely sharing the road with big rigs, as well as proper conduct during a traffic stop.