FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JOHN HALL RETURNS TO NHRA PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE COMPETITION
AT THIS WEEKEND’S VIRGINIA INTERNATIONALS
WITH B.R.A.K.E.S. TEEN DEFENSIVE DRIVING PROGRAM
Hall Donates Entire Bike Signage to Doug Herbert’s National Teen Defensive Driving Program, Which Has Taught More Than 35,000 Teenagers and Their Parents
North Dinwiddie, VA (May 17, 2019)– When John Hall makes his return to NHRA Pro Stock motorcycle competition at this weekend’s Virginia Nationals, his Suzuki will bear logos of a cause that is an inspiration and passion for the New Haven, Connecticut-based racer.
Having spent time in the winner’s circle before leaving the sport to attend to family business, Hall’s return to this weekend’s competition at Virginia Motorsports Park will be especially significant, with the logos of the B.R.A.K.E.S.(Be Responsible and Keep Everyone Safe) national teen defensive driving program adorning his bike, racing suit and helmet.
Founded by multi-time Top Fuel drag racing champion Doug Herbert after the tragic loss of his two sons in a car crash in 2008, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit provides free lifesaving defensive driver training in weekend sessions across the country. B.R.A.K.E.S. addresses the number-one cause of death among teens – car crashes – helping improve road safety to prevent other parents from facing the heartbreak of losing a child.
The father of two teens who previously participated in B.R.A.K.E.S. classes, Hall, along with his wife Ivette, decided to team with B.R.A.K.E.S. not only because of their longtime association with Herbert, but also because of the inspiration generated by 14-time national drag racing champion Terry Vance, who donated $1 million to B.R.A.K.E.S. during February’s NHRA Winternationals in Pomona.
“We are so honored that John and Ivette have chosen to run with our B.R.A.K.E.S. logo as their contribution to our cause.” Herbert stated. “This is evidence of Terry Vance’s profound influence, as well as the importance of our mission to save lives and make the roadways safer.”
“Beyond his incredible generosity, Terry Vance inspired all of us to do what we can to spread the word about Doug’s program,” Hall said. “For those of us in this drag racing community, it’s essential that we use our platforms to extend the B.R.A.K.E.S. message about the critical importance of teen defensive driving.”
A 2011 graduate of the Frank Hawley & George Bryce Drag Racing program, Hall returns to the drag strip with an impressive resume of on-track success. Most notably, Hall achieved a place in drag racing history in 2013 when he won the prestigious NHRA U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis. Later in 2013 Hall followed up with a second career NHRA win in Epping, New Hampshire.
A 2011 graduate of the Frank Hawley & George Bryce Drag Racing program, Hall returns to the drag strip with an impressive resume of on-track success. Most notably, Hall achieved a place in drag racing history in 2013 when he won his first NHRA event in Epping, New Hampshire followed by victory at the prestigious NHRA U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis.
About B.R.A.K.E.S.
Doug Herbert’s B.R.A.K.E.S. (Be Responsible and Keep Everyone Safe) is a GuideStar Platinum-rated 501(c)3 non-profit whose mission is to prevent injuries and save lives by training and educating teenage drivers and their parents about the importance of safe and responsible driving. B.R.A.K.E.S. was founded in 2008 after Top Fuel drag racer Doug Herbert lost his two young sons, Jon and James, in a tragic car crash. Today, more than 35,000 teens from 45 different states and five countries – and their parents – have graduated from the B.R.A.K.E.S.’ intensive half-day training course, which is free of charge and features hands-on skills exercises taught by professional instructors in a fleet of new vehicles donated by Kia Motors America.
Car crashes are the number-one cause of death among teens. B.R.A.K.E.S. provides the foundational skills a new driver needs to make good decisions behind the wheel and reduce the risk of a crash. Courses include distracted driving awareness, panic braking, drop-wheel/off-road recovery, crash avoidance and car control/skid recovery – all of the biggest causes of crashes for new drivers. Other educational elements often include ‘Big Rig’ safety, first responder vehicle extrication demonstration, and what to do in the event of a traffic stop.
Each B.R.A.K.E.S. session includes four hours of training, starting with a short classroom presentation followed by nearly three hours behind the wheel of new Kia vehicles. Teens who have taken the B.R.A.K.E.S. course are 64 percent less likely to be involved in a car crash, as determined by an independent study.
B.R.A.K.E.S. is NOT Driver’s Ed. It is a FREE, hands-on, advanced driver training program taught by professional instructors, including current and former members of law enforcement, professional racers and stunt drivers. B.R.A.K.E.S. maintains a low three-to-one student-to-instructor ratio to maximize educational effectiveness.
For more information and/or to register for a B.R.A.K.E.S. class, visit www.putonthebrakes.org.
Media Contact:
Jeff Perlman
B.R.A.K.E.S.
818.317.3070
Thank you for forwarding Emma's letter to me. It looked like she wrote straight from her heart and that is what is most important !!!........her handwriting is another story :-O Very honestly, I was immensely impressed by the amount of thought and effort that everyone at BRAKES put into the cour... Click to Read More!
-Brian K
5 star I don't know that I could say enough good things about this program. The organization and Instructors are phenomenal. The information is beneficial for not only teens, but the adults as well. My daughter LOVED this whole experience, is going to write about it in her school newspaper, and c... Click to Read More!
-Holly R, Detroit MI
