CONCORD, N.C. – The B.R.A.K.E.S. (Be Responsible And Keep Everyone Safe) national teen defensive driving program has announced that three-time NHRA Mello Yello Series Top Fuel champion Larry Dixon has joined the organization as a driving instructor and official spokesperson.
The son of 1970 NHRA Winternationals Champion Larry Dixon, Sr., the younger Dixon won NHRA Mello Yello Top Fuel World Championships in 2002, 2003 and 2010. The second-generation Top Fuel racer was named as Rookie of the Year in 1995 and is the second-winningest Top Fuel driver in NHRA history with 62 victories.
“I’ve had the fortune of knowing Doug since high school, both as a fellow competitor and as a friend,” said Dixon. “Doug and his team have also taught two of my children, so I am equally as impressed as a parent. I’m proud to join this great organization and use my platform to help spread the word about the B.R.A.K.E.S. program, which has saved countless lives.”
B.R.A.K.E.S. was established by multi-time drag racing champion Doug Herbert, following the tragic loss of his two sons in a car crash in 2008. To date, the program has trained nearly 37,000 teens across the country. Teens who have taken the course are 64 percent less likely to get into an auto accident.
Utilizing vehicles provided by Kia Motors, the B.R.A.K.E.S. program offers teens extensive behind-the-wheel instruction from professional trainers including current and former law enforcement officers as well as professional racing drivers, teaching the teens and their parents how to be safer on the road. Exercises include Distracted Driving Awareness, Panic Braking, Crash Avoidance, Drop-wheel/Off-road Recovery and Car Control/Skid Recovery.
“The addition of this multi-time Top Fuel champion attests to the passion that Larry has for our mission and his desire to bring his skills and knowledge to teens that participate in our program,” said B.R.A.K.E.S. Founder Doug Herbert. “We’re honored and excited to have Larry as a lead instructor and official spokesperson. The behind-the-wheel guidance he will offer both teens and their parents will be invaluable and ultimately help save lives and make our roadways safer.”