Scouting America and four-time world champion drag racer Antron Brown have partnered to provide Scouts with hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) — all while enjoying a race day experience.
Brown, the driver and owner of AB Motorsports, competes in the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, which kicked off last month and continues through November. At select NHRA national events, Scouts can participate in interactive STEM activations, including engineering-focused demonstrations, team-building challenges and hands-on learning experiences.
It’s all part of the Youth and Education Services (YES) Program, NHRA’s nationally recognized STEM initiative.
The program connects classroom learning with real-world careers, offering an engaging and memorable educational experience right at the track. Scouts in the program get to step into Brown’s pit area to see how precision, data and preparation translate directly to performance on race day. Click here for more information about the partnership and details about how to sign up.
Trailblazing faster than most
Long before he started winning drag racing championships, Brown was a Cub Scout. Today, he’s the only competitor in NHRA history to have won races in both the Top Fuel and Pro Stock Motorcycle categories. Thanks to his most recent Top Fuel series victory in 2024, he’s the first Black champion owner/driver in drag racing history.
“This is bigger than racing,” Brown said. “This sport has given me so much, and I’ve always believed it’s important to give that back to the next generation. When young people walk through our pit and see how much math, engineering, technology and teamwork go into what we do, it opens their eyes.”
With support from Missouri-based technology solutions provider World Wide Technology, the initiative will emphasize STEM education, helping Scouts see firsthand how STEM powers one of the fastest and most technologically advanced sports in the world.
“We are thrilled to sponsor Antron Brown and Scouting America,” says David L. Steward, founder and chairman of World Wide Technology. “As a world-class NHRA competitor, Antron will help us drive excitement for both Top Fuel racing and the science and engineering Scouts will learn.”
Staying committed to youth and STEM
Additional youth-focused activities, including entry-level mechanical design and competition-based learning experiences, will be explored throughout the season.
NHRA’s longstanding commitment to youth engagement and education makes the partnership a natural fit. Through its NHRA Youth & Education Services Program, the organization has connected students nationwide to STEM-based learning experiences at the racetrack for more than three decades.
“Our new partnership with AB Motorsports represents an exciting opportunity to connect the spirit of Scouting with the innovation, teamwork and determination that define motorsports,” said Roger Krone, president and CEO of Scouting America.
