NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

On Friday, May 29, NHRA member track Mission Raceway Park hosted a successful NHRA Youth & Education Services (YES) program that drew 635 students ranging from grade 7-12 and 70 teachers/supervisors to learn about trades, motorsports, and career opportunities related to racing.

“A huge thank-you to our community partners who came and engaged with our students, with cool hands-on activities from @ltfastworks, one-of-a-kind experiences like being able to sit in the Vancouver IndyCar-winning car thanks to Sports Car Club of BC, or trying their hand at the Premtech Systems and Moza Simulators and Practice Tree (thanks REMAX for the tent to keep us dry!),” the track posted on Facebook. 

“Ron and Austin from FastLane Racing and Mike from Vancouver Community College talked with the kids about careers in racing and automotive engineering, to complement the end of the show when the weather cleared up, and we were able to run High School and NHRA Jr. Drag Racing League classes for the kids, to show them the opportunities they have to get into racing themselves! We’re looking forward to running an even bigger NHRA YES Day next year!”

Shellie Munro, the track’s Jr. Drag Racing League coordinator, who planned the event, added, "This year's YES Day exceeded all of our expectations. Having so many students, many of them coming to a dragstrip for the first time, engaged, asking questions, and experiencing motorsports firsthand was incredible. Beyond the excitement, the event provided valuable opportunities to them to explore real-world concepts in science, technology, engineering, and skilled trades. Our hope is that students leave with ideas and experiences they can take back to the classroom and connect to future careers and everyday life. We’re already planning next year’s event to be bigger and better."