NHRA YES Program Headlines Massive Opening Day at West Coast Rumble

NHRA YES Program Headlines Massive Opening Day at West Coast Rumble

Famoso Dragstrip

Tom Macht

Day one of the West Coast Rumble presented by Match Race Madness opened in a major way at Famoso Dragstrip, highlighted by the NHRA Youth & Education Services (YES) Program.

Representing NHRA were Division 7 Director Mat DeYoung and Director of National Event Marketing John Baadilla, underscoring just how important this stop was for the association.

The impact was undeniable:

• 18 schools participated
• 660 students attended
• One unforgettable day at the racetrack

Founded in 1989, the NHRA Youth & Education Services (YES) Program is the only full-time education program in motorsports. The program is completely free and focuses on goal setting, continued education, and exposing students to career opportunities within motorsports and beyond.

Students learned how S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) applies to real-world situations — and to NHRA Drag Racing — before stepping outside to experience it live at Famoso Dragstrip.

A special full-circle moment came when it was noted that Famoso Dragstrip promoter Tim Huddleston attended the very first YES Program meeting in 1989 at University High School in West Los Angeles. Decades later, seeing 660 students at the Bakersfield facility for the same program speaks volumes about both the program’s longevity and Famoso’s continued commitment to the future of the sport.

Once the education portion wrapped up — which was held today only — racing took over.

With temperatures in the 70s and ideal conditions, teams filled the staging lanes and delivered a full afternoon of West Coast Rumble action. Side-by-side passes and hard launches kept fans engaged as the event roared into competition mode.

The West Coast Rumble is just getting started. Day two fires up tomorrow at Famoso Dragstrip with more high-horsepower matchups, intense competition, and the kind of racing fans expect in Bakersfield. Gates open at 8 a.m., with cars on track beginning at 10 a.m. Be there when it all goes down.