POMONA, Calif. -- The rich history of the NHRA can be traced back to the very early days of drag racing and the unforgettable performances of the sport’s biggest stars at the legendary Los Angeles County Fairplex in Pomona, California, home of Auto Club Raceway. This weekend, June 23rd and 24th, B.R.A.K.E.S. (Be Responsible and Keep Everyone Safe) will be making its second visit to the Fairplex in 2012 to conduct another Teen Pro-Active Driving School.

“The response from the community in and around Pomona to B.R.A.K.E.S. has been fantastic,” says Doug Herbert, the long-time NHRA and IHRA Top Fuel veteran and founder of the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. “Everyone knows that this part of California revolves around the car and anything we can do to help young drivers learn how to become more conscientious behind the wheel makes tremendous sense out here. Plus, having our Teen Pro-Active Driving School at a location where so many great drivers achieved such enormous success on the quarter-mile gives our school an added bit of relevance.”

Herbert enjoyed one of his most memorable victories at the Pomona facility in 2001 when he captured the Top Fuel honors at the NHRA’s 50th Anniversary Nationals. But for him, the satisfaction that comes from helping to save the lives of teenage drivers through the efforts of his organization, founded in tribute to his two sons Jon and James who lost their lives in a traffic accident in Cornelius, NC in 2008, provides special meaning.

“We’re looking at having 76 schools and nearly 3000 teenagers take our free, defensive driving course across the country this year, and are planning on coming back to Pomona again in December,” says Herbert. “How many lives will potentially be saved is anyone’s guess but any time a kid can take what they’ve learned in our school and prevent a tragedy, that’s what makes B.R.A.K.E.S. a success.”

Two classes a day will be held on Saturday and Sunday at the Fairplex and open spots remain for both Sunday sessions . The four-hour classes are scheduled for 8AM to 12PM and 1PM to 5PM. For more information or to enroll, please contact Cascie Kirk at (704)720-3806 or via email at CascieKirk@putonthebrakes.com

For additional information on B.R.A.K.E.S. or to make a tax-deductible donation, please log onto www.putonthebrakes.com