Nonprofit Organization B.R.A.K.E.S. will Provide Free Teen Driving Schools in Phoenix

Nonprofit Organization B.R.A.K.E.S. will Provide Free Teen Driving Schools in Phoenix
Schools to Take Place at Firebird International Raceway February 12 and 13

B.R.A.K.E.S., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by NHRA drag racer Doug Herbert after the loss of his two sons in a car accident, will provide free defensive driver training to teenagers in Phoenix at Firebird International Raceway. The B.R.A.K.E.S. Teen Pro-Active Driving School is a four hour course that will be held Saturday, February 12, and Sunday, February 13, with two sessions each day.

“I’m very excited that we’re taking the driving school to Phoenix in 2011,” said Founder Doug Herbert, who was testing his Top Fuel Dragster at Firebird Raceway when he learned of his sons’ accident. “B.R.A.K.E.S. has supporters in that area that have made it possible for us to hold schools there and I’m thankful for their efforts and aid.”
The NHRA, Firebird International Raceway and the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving are donating time and resources to B.R.A.K.E.S. to help promote the event and reduce costs. Holding the schools in Phoenix was made possible by Tom and Joan Kalimanis, residents of Scottsdale, Ariz., that have supported the organization for more than a year.

“The B.R.A.K.E.S. program that Doug Herbert has put together is a fantastic program that will help Phoenix area teenagers,” said Joan Kalimanis. “We’re very pleased to be contributing to the organization. We have personally attended a driving school and are committed to what this program is all about for new, young drivers.”

The driving school, designed for teenagers aged 15-19 who already have their learner’s permit or driver’s license and at least thirty hours of driving experience, is offered free of charge to all participants. Professional driving instructors train teenagers on key defensive driving techniques including accident avoidance, emergency lane change, panic stops, skidding and more.

Started in 2008 the organization has already provided free training to over 1,800 teenagers from 15 different states. The 2011 schedule also includes dates in Charlotte, N.C., and Pomona, Calif.

“The driving school has really taken off,” said B.R.A.K.E.S. Executive Director and Lead Driving Instructor Matt Reilly, who started his career as a driving instructor at Bondurant’s school. “Getting to add Arizona to our lineup is awesome. Right now we only have funding for this one weekend in February so I hope as many families as possible take advantage of this great opportunity and sign-up.”

The morning sessions will take place from 8:00am-12:00pm and the afternoon sessions will be from 1:00pm-5:00pm. The 160 spots for the program will fill quickly and parents must register their teenager ahead of time. Interested parents can call (704) 732-8950 or visit www.putonthebrakes.org to learn more, watch a video about the school and register.

About B.R.A.K.E.S.

B.R.A.K.E.S., which stands for Be Responsible and Keep Everyone Safe, is a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization founded by NHRA Top Fuel drag racer Doug Herbert in memory of his two sons who were killed in a car accident. By training and educating teenage drivers and their parents, the foundation aims to promote safe driving in an attempt to prevent injuries and save lives. To volunteer, obtain more information or donate please visit
www.putonthebrakes.org.
Christian Motorsports International, Inc.
Team RFC / Racers For Christ
PO Box 1208
Gilbert, Arizona 85299-1208
480-507-5323