KENT, Wash. – When Clay Millican competes in this weekend’s Magic Dry Organic Absorbent NHRA Northwest Nationals at Pacific Raceways, his DENSO Top Fuel dragster will bear logos of a cause that is an inspiration and passion for the Memphis-based multi-time drag racing champion.
One of the most successful and popular competitors in the NHRA’s Mello Yello Top Fuel series, the Drummonds, Tennessee native is eager to put the DENSO, Parts Plus, B.R.A.K.E.S. Top Fuel Dragster into the winners circle this weekend. Fans will get a first-hand look at Millican’s DENSO dragster with the logos of the B.R.A.K.E.S. (Be Responsible and Keep Everyone Safe) national teen defensive driving program established by Millican’s close friend, NHRA Top Fuel veteran racer Doug Herbert. DENSO, the world’s second largest mobility supplier and a longtime Millican sponsor, also sponsors B.R.A.K.E.S. as part of its efforts to reduce accidents and increase road safety.
Following the tragic loss of his two sons in a car crash in 2008, Herbert established the 501(c)(3) nonprofit, which 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.
To honor his close friend and show his continued support for the program, Millican will proudly display the B.R.A.K.E.S. logo as a way of helping spread the word about its importance and impact on saving teen lives.
“What Doug and his team have done over the past 11 years is nothing short of incredible,” Millican said. “Since the earliest stages, it’s been especially important for me to show my support, through hosting schools in Memphis to fundraising and public service announcements. It’s been my pleasure and my honor to help B.R.A.K.E.S. in every possible way.”
“We continue to be amazed and deeply appreciative of all that Clay and his team have done to show their dedication to our program,” said B.R.A.K.E.S. Founder Doug Herbert. “Clay personifies what it truly means to be a ‘superstar,’ going well beyond his dominance on the drag strip. Since day one, his passion for our has been invaluable in our growth both in Memphis as well as on a national scale. The drag strip in Seattle is one of the locations that we have held our classes and we are looking forward to the next time we are able to bring our life saving program back to the North West.”