Motorsports Outreach Program

I am looking for ideas/constructive criticism regarding a motorsports outreach program idea that popped in my head over the weekend. I have a racing background (mainly dirt ovals) and I am hoping to eventually begin my endeavor into racing with NASA Racing (after I work towards my comp license). I currently have an Allison Legacy car that I am prepping to run in NASA. I am also in the middle of trying to get a shop built so that I can house my racing operation out of there.

While all this is happening, I had this idea pop in my head about eventually starting an outreach program using my race team. In essence, I would somehow reach out to underprivileged or troubled youth to join the team (maybe 3 to 4 individuals). Along the way they would be taught lessons directly racing related, as well as lessons that apply to life in general.

I looked for such a program to see if there was something out there that I could model mine after, but have been unable to find anything. Does anyone know of such a program out there? I have a lot of questions and ideas, and thought maybe you all might be able to chime in and give advice that I have not thought about yet.

I would like to mention that I plan on racing the car myself, so there wouldn't be any liabilities if someone else were in the car. I figure there is going to have to be some sort of insurance policy that I will have to purchase just in case something happens to one of them while "under my care". I'm sure there are going to be naysayers about this being a bad idea, as I have had the thoughts run through my head about the risks. I have a wife and 2 little girls, and I am responsible for their safety. Nothing is more important than keeping my family safe. At that same time, let me also say that I am coming up on the 4 year anniversary of the murder of my brother. He wasn't exactly a saint, and made some questionable choices throughout his life which ultimately led to his early departure from this earth.

With that being said, I can't help but think what might have been, had some sort of outreach program like this (my brother loved anything with an engine, and we talked motogp and formula 1 often) been available to deter his interest early into something productive.

I know its not going to be easy, which is why I turn to you all for advice so that at least my mistakes can be kept to a minimum.

Any help/advice is greatly appreciated.

Speedyk,

I hope you do not mind but with my Mod powers, I added some paragraph breaks to your posting.  This way it is easier for others to read.  I made no changes to your words.  I only added breaks to the otherwise huge chunk of words.  

Good luck on your venture!  

It has been done before, based near Philadelphia, but I cannot remember the program's name. I think they ran Oldsmobile Achievas in the appropriate IMSA class in their later years. It lasted quite a while.

ICY (Inner City Youth) Racing out of Philly ran some Saturns back in the day with a program similar to what you’re describing.  Not sure what became of them, but it sounds like a great way to pay it forward and bring new gearheads into the fold!

http://www.saturnfans.com/cars/s-series/flashback-friday-saturn-icy-racing

In reply to Rotaryracer :

This is the program I remembered.

I say if that is where you are lead, go for it.

There is a tremendous need for programs like this. It takes time, energy, effort, and patience. There are youth that do not have the exposure or access to our auto hobbies. The first time to a race track or car show can be impactful.

I have a non profit organization I started to expose students to automobiles and social services called Roll As You Are Inc (RAYA) - you can find us here on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rollasyouareinc 

I officially started this after having the idea for about 20 years, which is a long story itself. After trying several different pathways and several roadlblocks - I went to Legalzoom and filed my own non profit organization. They took care of everything other than the 501c IRS filing. The IRS was helpful throughout the process of completion. You may want to look into setting up a legal non profit so it is the organization legally running the activities vs. you as yourself.

The first car donation I went through myself and we gave away. Our second car is now with our first partnering high school - Oak Ridge TN Automotive Program.

As far as legal and protective care - a recommendation and tool I advise is a detailed waiver to be signed by a legal parent or guardian. I volunteer at the Paradox Skatepark and Youth Center: https://www.paradoxoakridge.org/ and facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Paradoxoakridge . The Paradox waiver has the requirement for the signing legal guardian or parent to attach a photocopy of their drivers license. This is to help avoid the issue with forging of signatures. I don't have a copy, but I can get one. I need to make one for myself but I could email that to you. Paradox is a youth center/outreach with a huge indoor skatepark and gaming area. I'm working on a tie in with having Paradox be involved in the Roll As You Are process by bringing them a car.

An organization that you could call to talk and ask for advice is Top Wrench based in Knoxville TN: https://topwrenchcompetition.com/ and facebook: https://www.facebook.com/topwrenchtn/ . I've had several conversations with them over the past couple of years and they were extremely helpful. Their foundation is exposures to high school youth for hobby and careers in the automotive fields. Their annual event last year attracted over 20 high schools and over 600 students. I was able to have a booth at this event and take in the experience. One of the contests include tire changing on a race car. I presented Top Wrench with the idea of fielding cars for the GRM Challenge, but they have alot of time already involved in their current annual event around that same time frame.

Do you have a local organization that supports non profits? We have one in Knoxville https://www.betternonprofits.org/ Alliance for Better Non Profits. They have alot of tools, meetings, advisors, and helping connect one non profit to another. Maybe you have something like that near you also to reach out to. What area of the country are you located?

I was exposed to cars and racing young by being taken to car shows, circle tracks (watching Dick Trickle in WI), truck and tractor pulls, mini bikes, snowmobiles, cruise ins etc. The days we live in currently, the number of ways to be involved his huge with what your target is. Between the GRM Challenge, circle track 4 cyl entry classes, autocross, drag racing test and tune and bracket racing, Lemons, etc. The ways to get involved are plenty and inexpensive.

Middle and High Schools kids are in huge transitions. Things are needed to keep them in the right paths and in a positive environment.

I hope this helps. I know I'm still learning as I go.