Inner City Racing
Inner City Racing (ICR) is a program focused
on inner city youth who lack involvement in recreational activities
and have an interest in fixing and modifying vehicles as part
of a competitive racing team.
ICR was set in motion in 2006, when a volunteer
had the great idea of donating his VW Fox to be worked on by
our youth for the 4-cylinder enduro class races at Red River
Co-op Speedway. He thought it would be a cool initiative and
another way to communicate and connect to the youth in the community.
He was right, as ICR is now into the fourth racing season.
Every Monday and Wednesday evening from 6:00 to 9:30 p.m., volunteers,
staff and up to 15 kids ranging in age from 13 – 19 years
old, build and maintain race cars in ICYA's well-equipped metal
shop. Youth are involved in everything from gutting the interior,
welding in the roll cage, tire repair, mechanical maintenance,
and upgrades, to prepping the car for painting and using various
hand and power tools. Midway through the evening, a snack time
is provided where there are discussions over practical, relational,
and spiritual issues relevant to their lives.
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Inner City Racing Photo Gallery
Click on the thumbnails below to view larger images in a pop-up
window.
Check out the new photo gallery!
Older photo gallery from 2008 (below)
In October 2008, ICR started a new initiative
- ice racing. Two cars were prepared for the ice racing season
running from mid January - March 8. Saturdays are the practice
and tuning events, where youth are allowed to ride in the cars
and Sundays are the races. Youth braved the cold to experience
the excitement of strapping on the helmets, buckling into the
5 point harness and enjoying the thrill of racing.
Starting in May and ending in September, ICR will race over 27 times on Saturdays at the speedway. Youth are designated to be lap counters
for the enduro events, which are races of over 100 laps. At 14
years old, They become part of our pit crew and at 16; The can
race the cars they've built.
Some of the youth are approaching the legal
driving age and are excited about getting behind the wheel of
a real car. Through our shop's driving simulator, youth
can get behind the wheel and develop their driving skills, as
well as other training. We are working towards providing racing
opportunities to those showing commitment, responsibility and
a positive attitude. We have seen several of our youth step up
and become positive examples to their peers.
What a thrilling opportunity for any youth, especially
ones who come from challenging social and economic conditions.
This program engages youth away from the negative
possibilities like car theft and gang involvement by offering
this exciting alternative. It helps them to realize potential
skills and provides a medium where youth build mentorship relationships
with adult role models. The cars are a vehicle to connect to our
youth.
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