Those of us who have ever been on the receiving end of one of his school tirades have a hard time believing that. But, you have to look into his eyes to know that something his changed his heart.

Blame it on the kids.

Hill has found solace in working with the next generation of drag racers. The newest program at Roy Hill’s Drag Racing School enables parents to bring their children and their cars to Hill for orientation and instruction.

Roy Hill has had a change of heart. He says he no longer yells at his drag racing school, but takes the time to methodically explain the ins and outs of driving technique.

Those of us who have ever been on the receiving end of one of his school tirades have a hard time believing that. But, you have to look into his eyes to know that something his changed his heart.

Blame it on the kids.

Hill has found solace in working with the next generation of drag racers. The newest program at Roy Hill’s Drag Racing School enables parents to bring their children and their cars to Hill for orientation and instruction.

“I had about 25 junior dragsters built in 1992 and got rid of them because I couldn’t deal with the parents,” Hill said. “Now I have such a ball doing this and the kids get the results.”

The softer and gentler Hill says that a number of kids have already visited the winner’s circle as a result.

Hill has a school forthcoming at Piedmont Dragway next week. For more information on this, contact Roy at 336.498.7964.

Hill was on the NHRA tour recently working with Top Fuel driver Doug Herbert.

Herbert has had a tough run of things early in 2007, and with that said he brought in Hill as an extra set of eyes. Those eyes aren’t on the car. They are on the driver.

“It’s like a golfer going out and golfing for a month or two,” Hill said. “and things aren’t going so well. He goes out and gets his professional to help him smooth him up on his swing. Doug is a great driver. I am just out here to help smooth him up some. We had some great runs in E-town and I am here this weekend and will be next weekend in Bristol.”

Herbert is pleased with the Hill factor thus far.

"We're happy to have Roy here,” said Herbert. “He lives close, and flew up with us on Thursday. I have been going to Roy for reaction time training for over ten years, and when he is here, he always finds a way to help out."

Hill said that only a small amount of fine-tuning should continue working wonders for Herbert.

“We’ll just get him on his game plan and turn him loose. He’ll be just fine. Doug is no different than any other racer, including me, sometimes we goof up and we have to go to someone to talk and get things worked out. Sometimes you have to take a step back and look at the things you may be doing wrong.”

Hill and Herbert have worked together off and on for the last five years.

“A couple of years ago, we had him on a roll and really doing well,” said Hill. “The last few years, he’s had some tough situations to deal with. He called me last week and we went to Englishtown and we had some good luck.”

Hill admits to being unable to escape the reputation of being on top of the emotional tires many times in the early part of his career as an instructor.  He’ll softly argue that he’s a changed man.

“I’ve learned to relax a little over the years,” Hill said. “I felt when a person came through my school that I had to deliver a license to them. I am more conservative now. Now if someone gives me the tools, I work with them. But it is up to them to get their license. I have calmed down a lot.”

It was the kids who calmed the big bear down.

“It has made all of the difference in the world,” Hill said. “I love working with them. You have to be easy with them. Safety is my first priority. Sometimes I do raise my voice, but that’s only if they are making real bad mistakes that could hurt them. I’m just not the same person that I used to be.”

Does he treat Herbert like a junior dragster driver?

“I have the last few weeks,” Hill said with his trademark smile.