NHRA News: Checker Schuck's Kragen Auto Parts drivers to educate youth on dangers of street racing (3/2/2004)

Checker Schuck's Kragen Auto Parts drivers to educate youth on dangers of street racing

3/2/2004

Checker Schuck's Kragen Auto Parts and the National Hot Rod Association have joined forces to educate the youth of America on the dangers of street racing and the benefits of racing at licensed race tracks under controlled conditions. CSK Funny Car drivers Del Worsham and Phil Burkart, in conjunction with local police departments, are now scheduling visits to high schools throughout the country to share their professional racing experience and offer firsthand knowledge of why drivers should "Race on the Track, Never on the Street."

Del Worsham

"Too many people don't understand the power of an automobile," said Del Worsham, CSK Funny Car driver. "But if something breaks, or something goes wrong, the last place you want to be is on the street. The NHRA has programs at tracks all over America. They check out your car, show you how to race, and give you a time slip so you can see how your car's running. You won't have to worry about hurting yourself or some innocent bystander, and you won't have to worry about getting arrested."

"Street racing is stupid," adds CSK teammate Phil Burkart. "Street racing kills people and ruins lives. The only place to race is at the track, where everything is built for racing."

Phil Burkart

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for people aged 16 to 20. In Florida, injuries related to street racing increased 122% from 1999 to 2001. In San Diego, the number of street racing cases prosecuted increased 97% in that same time period. In 2001, the number of fatal crashes as a result of street racing increased 87% in 2001 alone.

"Today's young drivers, especially those with sport compacts, are constantly being tempted to race their cars on the street," said Jim Schoenberger, Vice President of Advertising for CSK Auto. "The risks for accidents, injuries and death are even greater now than they were fifty years ago, when the same environment prompted the creation of the NHRA, to get racing off the street and onto the track. CSK understands the allure of racing and speed, and as an active sponsor in all kinds of racing, we feel it important to help the NHRA educate young drivers about the dangers of street racing, and all the positives of racing at an NHRA track."

The NHRA has more than 140 member tracks in North America where young drivers can race in a controlled environment. The minimum requirements for racing are usually a valid driver's license, registration and insurance; seat belts, DOT-approved street legal tires, and a muffler.

CSK Auto, Inc. owns and operates more than 1,100 retail auto parts stores in America under the Checker Auto Parts, Schuck's Auto Supply, and Kragen Auto Parts names. The company sponsors two Funny Cars in NHRA competition and also sponsors Monster Trucks, NASCAR races, and many other motorsports events. Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, CSK Auto is the official auto parts store of the NHRA.

2004 News Archive
Return to the Home Page