Day one of the West Coast Rumble presented by Match Race Madness opened in a major way at Famoso Dragstrip, highlighted by the NHRA Youth & Education Services (YES) Program.
Representing NHRA were Division 7 Director Matt DeYoung and Director of National Event Marketing John Baadilla, underscoring the importance of the program’s stop in Bakersfield.
The impact was undeniable:
- 18 schools participated
- 660 students attended
- One unforgettable day at the racetrack
Founded in 1989, the NHRA Youth & Education Services (YES) Program remains the only full-time education program in motorsports. The initiative is completely free and focuses on goal setting, continued education, and exposing students to career opportunities both within motorsports and beyond.
Students learned how S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) applies to real-world situations — and to NHRA Drag Racing — before stepping outside to experience it firsthand at Famoso Dragstrip. From the technology inside a race car to the precision required on the starting line, the classroom-to-track connection was on full display.
A special full-circle moment came when it was noted that Famoso Dragstrip promoter Tim Huddleston attended the very first YES Program meeting in 1989 at University High School in West Los Angeles. Also part of that original 1989 gathering was longtime Funny Car standout Gary Densham, who at the time was working as an automotive shop teacher before rising through the ranks of NHRA competition.
Decades later, seeing 660 students at the Bakersfield facility for the same program speaks volumes about the longevity of the YES initiative and the deep educational roots that continue to run through the sport.
Once the education portion — held Friday only — wrapped up, racing took center stage.
With temperatures in the 70s and ideal conditions, teams filled the staging lanes and delivered a full afternoon of West Coast Rumble action. Hard launches, side-by-side battles, and the unmistakable thunder of nitro and horsepower signaled that the event had officially shifted from classroom inspiration to on-track intensity.
If the opening day was any indication, the West Coast Rumble delivered more than just competition — it reinforced the connection between education, opportunity, and the future of drag racing.
This story was originally published on March 4, 2026. 
The post NHRA YES Program Draws 660 Students to Open West Coast Rumble at Famoso Dragstrip first appeared on Drag Illustrated.
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