Sons of Speed Gives Students First-Hand Learning Experience

By Cathy Padilla

The New Smyrna Speedway was humming with excitement on the eve of the Sons of Speed race taking place Saturday, March 2, as 50 students enrolled in Career & Technical Education (CTE) courses in Volusia County were invited to join Sons of Speed racing series founder Billy Lane and professional motorcycle drag racer Dystany Spurlock for a day of racing, education, and fun. Hosted by Northern Tool + Equipment and their Tools for the Trades™ program, the day was designed to help address the trades labor shortage by igniting a passion for the trades in the next generation. 

“To become a professional motorcycle drag racer, I’ve had to work on my bikes myself,” shared Spurlock. “We’re showing these kids that you can get a good job in the trades no matter your gender or background or where you come from. These are great careers, and it was an honor to tell the kids about my career path and to let them know they can use these skills to be anything they want to be.”

Students were able to interact with and watch dozens of racers and their crews as they worked on their motorcycles during the day’s practice. They heard inspiring stories from both Spurlock and Lane, were provided lunch from Moe's, and given a swag bag full of items they can use in class and beyond. A representative from Target was on hand to invite the students to learn more about careers within the company and also provided several items in the swag bags. All students were given tickets to attend the main race scheduled for Saturday. 

"I think a day like today is ultra important," shared Billy Lane. "Students need to know that they have options beyond attending college. Working with your hands, the way I do, can be a very rewarding career. By allowing the kids to interact with the racers and pit crews, they realize they can be other things besides a plumber or electrician."

Northern Tool + Equipment created the Tools for the Trades program in 2021 to help address the skilled trades labor shortage. Tools for the Trades™ provides schools, students and instructors with the proper equipment for teaching the trades to the next generation. 

“Our mission with the Tools for the Trades is to help generate excitement and passion in the trades with high school students,” said Suresh Krishna, CEO of Northern Tool + Equipment. “We work with trade professionals in our stores every day and hear firsthand about the lack of skilled laborers entering the workforce.” 

Founded in 2017 by Lane, owner of Choppers Inc., Sons of Speed invites racers to compete on steeply banked tracks hitting speeds of up to 80 mph. The race series takes inspiration from the early 20th century board track racing that showcases pre-1950 V-twin American motors and stripped-down bikes from some of the industry's biggest names.

Students like junior Christopher Godek, who attends Pine Ridge High School in Deltona, were excited to meet the racers and have an opportunity to sit on the motorcycles and learn more about what the pit crews do on a daily basis. Planning on a career in aircraft mechanics, Godek took full advantage of all the day offered.

“I used to think kids today just wanted to be social media influencers. But, as I’ve met kids in different parts of the country through Tools for the Trades, their interest and passion for working with their hands has inspired me,” said Lane. “The kids here at the track were so excited to learn and hear about the many trade options out there for them.”