Allen Johnson, the 2012 NHRA Mello Yello Pro Stock champion joined with NASCAR team owner and businessman extraordinaire Felix Sabates to support B.R.A.K.E.S. (Be Responsible And Keep Everyone Safe), the organization founded by fellow drag racing champion, Doug Herbert. Thanks to Sabates’ and Johnson’s commitment to helping B.R.A.K.E.S. the Teen Pro-Active Driving Schools will be coming to legendary New England Dragway in Epping, New Hampshire for the first time ever. B.R.AK.E.S. will offer the nationally acclaimed free of charge advanced defensive driver training to teenage drivers and their parents on the weekend of October 31st and November 1st.
“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 from his home city of Greenville, Tenn., but this time, we’ll be offering our courses close to home for a fellow NHRA racer Jay Blake”, said Herbert. “Jay was B.R.A.K.E.S. key note speaker at our 7th annual Gala event in 2014. After delivering an inspirational message speaking at the Gala he said that one day he would like to have B.R.A.K.E.S. put on a program near his home base in New England. Allen Johnson heard Jay’s request and challenged another donor at the Gala to match his donation in order to raise enough funds to give Jay his wish! Felix Sabates heard Allen’s challenge and he didn’t hesitate to jump on board! Having such great friends and incredible people supporting our debut in New England has our entire B.R.A.K.E.S. team smiling from ear to ear.”
“Doug’s organization is just incredible, and Jay Blake’s story of overcoming his life adversities was incredibly inspirational” says Johnson, the driver of the Mopar Express Lane Dodge Avenger. “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 B.R.AK.E.S. 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.”
“As I was listening to Jay Blake speak I was trying to think of a way that I could do something to support him” said Sabates. “When Allen Johnson stood up and challenged someone to match his donation in effort to bring B.R.A.K.E.S. to New England for Jay I didn’t hesitate to raise my hand. My Granddaughters have participated in B.R.A.K.E.S. So I know exactly how it helps teach our young drivers the skills they need to be safe on the roads.”
“I dreamed of having the B.R.A.K.E.S. team bring the teen driving program to the New England area but I had no idea that Allen Johnson and Felix Sabates would come together and actually make it happen,” says NHRA Crew Chief Jay Blake. “Doug, Felix and Allen are all great guys and I am very proud to be associated with them”.
“New England 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 track, that facility will take on even greater meaning and significance for me and everyone at B.R.A.K.E.S.”
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