On Saturday, April 26, students from across the region will descend upon Bristol Dragway looking to take home their share of over $5,000 in college scholarships at the inaugural Sprint High School Nationals.
The High School Nationals, open to all street legal vehicles, gives teens an exciting way to earn money for college while keeping themselves safe and away from the dangers and temptations of illegal street racing.
Several recent movies have glorified the world of illegal street racing, rarely illustrating the hazards and risks associated with it.
Street racing most recently made headlines nationwide when eight spectators were killed Feb. 16 on a highway in Accokeek, Md. While many illegal street racing incidents occur without public knowledge, those that do make news, do so because of the tragedy involved.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 804 people nationwide were killed in incidents involving illegal street racing from 2001-2006. Twenty-three of those fatalities occurred in Tennessee, Virginia and North Carolina.
The Street Fights program at Bristol Dragway, currently in its eighth season, offers area drivers the opportunity to compete with their friends while keeping everyone in a safer environment. The Sprint High School Nationals gives Bristol Dragway another avenue to reach would-be street racers.
"This event not only gives teens a chance to win a scholarship to the college of their choice," said Jeff Byrd, President and General Manager of Bristol Dragway, "it shows them that a controlled, safe environment is the only place to race. With our experienced Bristol Dragway staff anyone who comes here to race will be given any guidance and instruction necessary to enjoy their time in Thunder Valley."
The National Hot Rod Association, founded in the 1950s as a way to take racing off the streets, still has that idea as its central premise. The NHRA Street Legal Drags program takes place at NHRA member tracks across the country and urges drivers to take racing to the place it belongs-the race track.
"The NHRA Street Legal Drags program takes us back to our grass roots and the reason why NHRA was founded by Wally Parks more than 50 years ago," said Eric Lotz, Director of Field Marketing for NHRA. "It takes car enthusiasts, kids and adults, off the streets by providing weekly opportunities to race their vehicles at safe, controlled and organized venues."
"We are constantly working with our 140 NHRA Member Tracks and law enforcement officers across the country to educate people on the dangers of illegal street racing and the alternative of NHRA Street Legal Drags," he added. "More recently, we have combined our efforts with those of our racers and partners to help spread the word that illegal street racing is not drag racing"
In January, an automobile accident proved that even one of the biggest names in drag racing couldn't avoid tragedy. NHRA Top Fuel pilot Doug Herbert lost both of his young sons (Jon, 17, and James, 12) in the accident.
With help from the boys' classmates, Herbert developed the BRAKES (Be Responsible and Keep Everyone Safe) program in their memory. The program is designed to educate teens on the importance of safe driving and to help them understand what may happen if they ignore the rules of the road.
"I don't want anyone else out there to experience this," said Herbert. "If we can get one teenager to think twice about how they drive, then we are making a difference and maybe saving a life."
Herbert added a stern message for any teen drivers that may consider taking their racing activities to the street.
"I want you [teenagers] to think about what you are doing when you get behind the wheel," Herbert continued. "If you want to drive fast, there are race tracks you can go to where it is supervised and much more safe. Those are the places to have fun and drive fast, not out on the street."
In addition to these popular racing events, Bristol Motor Speedway and Dragway, in association with Wellmont Health System, hosts the New Driver Car Control Clinic. The clinic helps teens understand the handling characteristics of their vehicle and teaches them what they can do to improve their driving skills.
"I have been involved with bringing Car Control teen driving clinics to Sullivan County since 2003," said Jill Davenport, an employee of Wellmont Health System and local coordinator for Car Control. "Enthusiastic word of mouth advertising has made the Car Control clinics at Bristol easily the most popular offered by the nationally recognized organization. What a natural tie-in for BMS and Wellmont Health System - supporting the fun of driving with the desire to keep our teens safe and out of our emergency rooms."
The Sprint High School Nationals winner will receive a $3,000 scholarship good for the college of his or her choice. The runner-up collects a $1,000 scholarship and semifinalists take home a $500 scholarship. The format of the race ensures that every vehicle has an equal opportunity to take home the top prize.
Students also have free entry into the burnout competition, an audio competition, and a car show. For $10, students can enter the video game tournament scheduled to take place in Bristol Dragway's control tower. Club Brystal, complete with D.J., live music and lights, will keep the action going until midnight. Danny from MTV's Real World: Austin also will make a special appearance.
Street Fights racers not in high school are welcome to make passes during the afternoon. However, they will not be eligible for scholarship money.
Gates open at noon, with a safety meeting for all participants at 1:30 p.m. Time trials kick off at 2:00 p.m. Eliminations begin at 6:00 p.m. and conclude at 9:00 p.m. The burnout competition takes place at 9:30. Club Brystal opens its doors at 9:00 p.m. and closes at midnight.
Admission is $7 for spectators and $10 for racers. In addition to securing a spot in the race, the first drivers that pre-register for the event will receive a number of benefits. To register, please call (423) 989-6953 or download the entry form on the Sprint High School Nationals event page at www.bristoldragway.com.