

Toronto Motorsports Park hosts record-setting NHRA YES Program event

Toronto Motorsports Park recently made a major impact as part of the NHRA’s pilot YES (Youth & Education Services) Program, hosting a wildly successful event that brought in 532 students for a full day of motorsports and career inspiration. The event marked a milestone in the new initiative that allows NHRA member tracks to organize and run YES Program events independently — bringing the message of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education, racing opportunities, and career pathways directly to local students.
Jessica Slikker, who coordinated the event on behalf of Toronto Motorsports Park, worked closely with Jason Hardie and Frank Federico to deliver a seamless experience for both students and educators. Together, they transformed the track into a dynamic classroom, complete with hands-on activities and real-world career insights.
“This was such a rewarding day,” Slikker shared. “The kids, teachers, and volunteers were thrilled. We even had our local MPP, Bobbi Ann Brady, attend and give a speech. Her background in both racing and the skilled trades really made an impression, especially on the young women in attendance.”
The event drew an impressive crowd. With more than 500 students on site, the YES Program at Toronto Motorsports Park proved just how much energy and excitement NHRA’s educational outreach can generate at the grassroots level.
The team at Toronto Motorsports Park demonstrated exactly how NHRA member tracks can engage their communities, promote career pathways, and share the spirit of drag racing with the next generation.
To learn more about bringing a YES Program to your local NHRA track, visit NHRA.com/YES.