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PHILADELPHIA (Feb. 27,
2006) - A one of a kind
program here in Philadelphia is creating quite a buzz throughout the country. It
is for children ages 8-18 and has over 800 people on the waiting list.
CBS 3’s Angela Russell reports young participants at the Urban Youth Racing
School said they plan to race straight to the top.
A national commercial features several kids who are likely the future of this
sport.
NASCAR's roots are in the southeast, so like many of the children in
Philadelphia, Jeremy Ortiz knew little about the sport until the racing school
came along.
"It's fun. I'm good at it- really good. I see a future in it,” said
Ortiz.
The Urban Youth Racing School shows its students, who are mostly minorities,
what is possible in the world of motor sports, on the track and behind the
scenes.
"When you see NASCAR, it's not just the driver it's the team."
18-year-old Shawna Stanton wants to make NASCAR history by becoming the first
woman on a pit crew. She said at first many of her friends did
not understand.
"They look at me like, ‘Change tires, what are you talking about?’ I’m like,
'Ya'll don't understand,'” said Stanton.
The school first opened in 1998. Leon Simmons Jr. started attending the
school in 1999 and now he is on his way to a race in Charlotte, North
Carolina.
"It's fun, going against 15 other drivers and proving you're the best, it's
exciting,” said Simmons.
Students said the school has changed their lives.
“Words can't explain. It's helping me get to where I want to be,” said one
student.
Intitially, the program lasts five weeks with students attending classes on
Saturdays.
Related Links
Urban Youth Racing School http://www.urbanyouthracingschool.com
(© MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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