Students Rev Up Skills with Race Cars in New Trades Program

Students from three schools in Grey-Bruce, Ontario, are set to enhance their skills in the skilled trades through an innovative program that incorporates race cars into their learning experience. The initiative, known as the Blueprints to Burnouts Tri-School Challenge, is a collaboration between the Kaydance Ford Athletics and Trades Foundation and Black Magic Racing. Participating schools include Walkerton District Community School, Grey Highlands Secondary School, and John Diefenbaker Senior School.

The program aims to provide students with hands-on experience while teaching valuable life skills, all while generating funds for their respective shop programs. Bobby Tolton, a representative from Black Magic Racing, explained that the idea emerged from local schools’ requests for scrap vehicles for shop classes, which revealed a larger opportunity for meaningful engagement.

“As a former student who spent much of my high school years invested in shop class, I know firsthand that work with a real purpose carries more meaning,” Tolton stated in a recent email. He emphasized that supplying fully functional vehicles instead of scrap cars would allow students to engage in projects they could build, improve, and take pride in.

Hands-On Learning Meets Competition

Each participating school will have its shop students paired with a race car funded by Black Magic Racing. The students will be involved in various aspects of the race cars, including fabrication, welding, mechanical repair, safety, setup, planning, and presentation. Throughout the spring and summer, these vehicles will compete weekly in the Bone Stock division at Full Throttle Motor Speedway in Varney, Ontario. Students will maintain and prepare the cars for competition, providing them with ongoing practical experience.

Tolton described the initiative as a way to give students projects that carry purpose. “These students are our future and deserve the best possible in both academic learning and practical life skills,” he said. At the end of the racing season, the points accumulated by each car will determine how funds from the Kaydance Ford Memorial Grant are distributed among the teams, with higher performance unlocking larger rewards.

The foundation was established by Jessica Ford and Casey Woods, along with their sons, Wade and Lennox, following the tragic loss of their daughter and sister, Kaydance Ford, who died in a car accident on May 23, 2023. The foundation aims to honor her legacy by supporting local youth in sports and trades, ensuring that Kaydance is remembered through positive action.

Community Involvement and Future Prospects

Tolton noted that the foundation’s involvement provides essential structure and credibility, ensuring that the funds raised directly benefit the schools. “More importantly, it ensures Kaydance’s legacy continues through opportunities that help young people grow, succeed, and flourish,” he added.

Jessica Ford’s leadership has been pivotal in bringing the program to life, with her persistence crucial in coordinating discussions and moving the initiative forward. The Blueprints to Burnouts program is currently in its early stages, with driver lineups recently announced. The teams consist of local parents and mentors, all of whom bring experience and a personal investment in the students’ success.

In addition to technical skills, the program promotes teamwork, communication, and shared responsibility among students. Tolton expressed the importance of students seeing the alignment of their interests with potential careers. “When students see how their interests and abilities can align with a potential career, it reshapes their view of the future,” he shared.

The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive, with local businesses, tradespeople, and motorsport supporters expressing strong interest in the challenge. Organizers hope the program will not only become an annual event but also encourage more students to enroll in shop classes.

As the initiative progresses, it seeks support in various forms, including financial contributions, in-kind donations, and mentorship from experienced tradespeople. Those interested in supporting the program can reach out via email at [email protected] and follow the initiative on Facebook.

Tolton highlighted the program’s reflection of the values in Grey Bruce, emphasizing the community’s blue-collar pride and commitment to supporting one another. The Blueprints to Burnouts initiative aims to create lasting memories and relationships for students, making a meaningful impact in their educational journeys.