Scott Goodyear joins Tire Rack program

The Tire Rack and its non-profit teen driving program have partnered with professional race driver Scott Goodyear.

Goodyear, a veteran IndyCar driver and race analyst, will share his expertise and knowledge as a professional driver with teen drivers enrolled in select Tire Rack Street Survival programs across the country.

According to Tire Rack, more than 5,000 American youths aged 16-20 die behind the wheel every year. Nationwide, a teen dies in a traffic crash an average of once an hour on weekends and nearly once every two hours during the week.

"Usually the first time a young driver has their car skid or slide underneath them, they're on their way to their first accident," says Goodyear.

Tire Rack Street Survival teaches teens the skills they need to stay alive behind the wheel. Unlike traditional high school driver education programs based on classroom theory and simple maneuvers, the Tire Rack Street Survival program involves hands-on experiences in real-world driving situations.

"Few people realize driving is one of the most dangerous things they do," says Bill Wade, national program manager. "A car traveling at just four mph has more energy than a bullet. That's a lot of responsibility."

Working with regional members of the BMW Car Club of America, Sports Car Club of America and other like-minded enthusiast organizations, Tire Rack Street Survival utilizes local enthusiast volunteers to support a national program.  
     
One-day program classes typically are held on weekends in cities and towns across the country, and are open to permitted and licensed drivers 16-21. The cost is $60 per student; some insurance companies offer premium discounts to graduates.

The Tire Rack Street Survival program was founded by the BMW Car Club of America Foundation. In 2008, 1,555 students from 72 schools participated in Tire Rack Street Survival. In 2009, 80 classes are planned.

For more information, visit www.streetsurvival.org or call (864) 329-1919.