March 4th 2026

Famoso Dragstrip hosts NHRA Youth and Education Services program

Fabled NHRA member track Famoso Dragstrip hosted a spectacularly successful NHRA Youth and Education Services (YES) program, hosting more than 500 area high school students for a day of learning about motorsports job futures and possibilities.

The NHRA Youth & Education Services (YES) program was founded in 1989. It is the only full-time education program in motorsports that provides quality programs and activities for schools and youth organizations nationwide. Not only is the YES Program FREE, it focuses on the importance of goals and continued education, while allowing students to learn about and explore various career opportunities. The program will show students how STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) is applied to both, real-world situations and NHRA Drag Racing, which they will have the opportunity to see live at the track!

Division 7 Director Matt DeYoung served as emcee at the famed California dragstrip, engaging the students in an engaging, entertaining, and informative presentation. Top Fuel racer Maddi Gordon joined via video chat to talk about her career, starting from the NHRA Jr. Drag Racing League to the Professional ranks.

Students were allowed to roam the pits to see the various race cars and YES partner displays and then took to the grandstands to watch a test 'n' tune session.

“It was our pleasure to host the NHRA YES program here at Famoso Dragstrip,” said the track’s Tim Huddleston. “We know the importance of this program and investing in the youth of our sport. It truly reignited things in my mind as well; I was at one of the first YES programs done in 1989, so absolutely incredible to see how far it’s come since then!”

"It was a great sight to see that stands at Famoso filled with the future of our sport,” added DeYoung. “Having the support of our member track for this event made it so simple; their passion for our youth always has stood out."

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