Pro Stock Champion Allen Johnson Sponsors B.R.A.K.E.S. Schools at Bristol

Students are shown the dangers of distracted driving (and how easily they are distracted)

View Image Gallery

NHRA Pro Stock Champion To Sponsor B.R.A.K.E.S. Schools at Bristol Speedway

(School press release) Allen Johnson, the 2012 NHRA Mello Yello Pro Stock champion, has been a long-time supporter of B.R.A.K.E.S. (Be Responsible And Keep Everyone Safe), the organization founded by fellow drag racing champion, Doug Herbert. Thanks to Johnson’s commitment to helping B.R.A.K.E.S. save the lives of teenage motorists through the Teen Pro-Active Driving Schools offered free by the non-profit 3(c) organization, on the weekend of February 1-2, 2014 these nationally-acclaimed driving courses will be coming to legendary Bristol International Speedway in Bristol, TN for the first time.

"This is just a fantastic boost to our program," says Herbert, who created B.R.A.K.E.S. in 2008 following the tragic highway accident that claimed the lives of his young sons, Jon and James.

"In the past, Allen has actually bussed kids to our schools at the Charlotte Motor Speedway near our home base, but this time, we’ll be offering our courses close to Allen's home and shop in Greeneville, TN. Having such a great friend and terrific driver sponsoring our debut in Bristol has our entire B.R.A.K.E.S. team smiling from ear to ear."

"Doug’s organization is just incredible," says Johnson, the driver of the Mopar Express Lane Dodge Avenger and whose team brought the 2013 Mello Yello Pro Stock championship to the J&J Racing operation this year.

"Teaching our teenagers how to be safer, more mature drivers is so important these days with so many distractions like cell phones and loud stereos stealing their attention. The Teen Pro-Active Driving Schools help kids to remain focused while driving and teach them car control skills to help them avoid having an accident when the unexpected happens."

"Bristol Dragway has been a great track for me throughout my Top Fuel career," adds Herbert. "Now with our Teen Pro-Active Driving Schools coming to the oval cross the street, that facility will take on even greater meaning and significance for me and everyone at B.R.A.K.E.S."

For more information on the Teen Pro-Active Driving Schools, eligibility guidelines, and to register (teenagers and their parents are required to sign up), please log on to: www.putonthebrakes.com

B.R.A.K.E.S. is a non-profit 3(c) organization.

(full disclosure: this RIS correspondent is a B.R.A.K.E.S. photographer and volunteer)