New and Returning Sponsors Add Value to the B.R.A.K.E.S. Experience
At an average cost of $50,000 per weekend, pursuing the B.R.A.K.E.S. mission of preventing injuries and saving lives by training teens and their parents to be safer behind the wheel doesn’t come cheap, but key organizations have recently renewed their commitment to the cause and several others have joined us – all are going above and beyond their donations in an effort to make the B.R.A.K.E.S. experience even better.
Kia – As our Official Vehicle and Presenting Sponsor, Kia Motors America has been a supporter of B.R.A.K.E.S. for more than six years, and 2018 marks the start of a new, multi-year agreement between our two organizations. Beyond the fleet of 44 vehicles and substantial financial support, multiple departments within KMA are working to help spread awareness of our cause and streamline our registration and operations processes.
DENSO – After helping DENSO to launch its new brand slogan, “Crafting the Core,” and supporting their commitment to road safety last year, our relationship with the automotive parts supplier has expanded. From expert advice to strategic introductions, our collaboration with DENSO Community Affairs Lead Melissa Smith has been invaluable.
Parts Plus – Drag racer, longtime friend and stalwart B.R.A.K.E.S. supporter Clay Millican introduced us to Parts Plus and umbrella organization The Automotive Network in Memphis last year. This year, Steve Tucker, Mark Lowry and their colleagues have initiated the Parts Plus Vehicle Safety Inspection program at select B.R.A.K.E.S. locations, providing parents and teens with the peace of mind that comes with a professional “pre-flight check”.
AO Coolers – Company owner Brian Hatch attended B.R.A.K.E.S. with his son Colby in Pomona and decided to support the cause. In addition to providing some of the best hard- and soft-sided coolers on the market today – something we desperately need at our schools, especially during the hot summer days in North Carolina and Southern California – AO Coolers is offering special discount pricing for all B.R.A.K.E.S. graduates. They’re also giving away special edition B.R.A.K.E.S. soft-sided coolers to one randomly selected teen per class at select locations.

Please feel free to share this with anyone who wants to brighten their day within your organization. This past Sunday myself and my 16 year old son participated in the BRAKES program at Belle Isle. I truly cannot express how impressive the entire day was. From the online registration to the check... Click to Read More!
-Joshua R
My oldest daughter went through B.R.A.K.E.S. at 16 (she’s 25 now) and was involved in an accident shortly after. A large pickup towing a landscaping trailer pulled in front of her from an oncoming left turn lane. She had the presence of mind to jam the brakes and control steer into the lighter tr... Click to Read More!
-Derek T