Although they are worlds apart, NHRA drag racing and Avoca Elementary School share one thing in common…testing. On Tuesday, May 5, Avoca students, just days removed from their TCAP tests, will visit Bristol Dragway to watch NHRA Pro Stock drivers test their tune-ups for the May 15-17 Thunder Valley Nationals.

To earn their trip to the track, the students had to meet reading goals assigned by their teachers. The students, excited by the prospect of visiting the dragway, took the challenge and 265 met their goals and will be in attendance to watch NHRA’s best make practice runs.

Bristol Dragway President and General Manager Jeff Byrd challenged the group to read 70,000 books during the course of the school year. To date, Avoca students have read 67,900 books.  Melinda Loveday, Avoca’s librarian, feels confident the group will reach Byrd’s goal.

Although they are worlds apart, NHRA drag racing and Avoca Elementary School share one thing in common…testing. On Tuesday, May 5, Avoca students, just days removed from their TCAP tests, will visit Bristol Dragway to watch NHRA Pro Stock drivers test their tune-ups for the May 15-17 Thunder Valley Nationals.

To earn their trip to the track, the students had to meet reading goals assigned by their teachers. The students, excited by the prospect of visiting the dragway, took the challenge and 265 met their goals and will be in attendance to watch NHRA’s best make practice runs.

Bristol Dragway President and General Manager Jeff Byrd challenged the group to read 70,000 books during the course of the school year. To date, Avoca students have read 67,900 books.  Melinda Loveday, Avoca’s librarian, feels confident the group will reach Byrd’s goal. 

“This is the fourth time we have gotten to come to the dragway,” said Loveday. “We grew from 20,000 books the first year. Each year, Jeff gives us a goal and they work hard to meet it. There is no doubt we will do it again this year.”

Loveday says the program is one the kids look forward to all year.

“We are blessed to have this relationship with Bristol,” continued Loveday. “The kids love it. They go wild and cheer; it is really exciting.”

Several NHRA Pro Stock competitors will be on hand testing their machines, and the Avoca students will have the best seat in the house. They will take in the action from the Thunder Valley Club grandstand.

During the event, Greeneville’s Allen Johnson will speak with the kids about the importance of education, as well as his experiences as a race car driver.  He also may perform a few smoky burnouts to entertain the young crowd.

At the end of the afternoon, Avoca principal Myra Newman will line up against Johnson for the ultimate prize, free lunch for her students. If Newman defeats the Pro Stock ace, lunch is on the house. If she loses, the kids return to school and cafeteria food.

“The kids will be so excited about her racing a professional driver,” said Loveday.  “We will start talking about it and letting them know she has to beat Allen to get lunch.”  

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