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HSRA Introduces Wisconsin High School Students to Motorsports

The High School Racing Association If schools are unable to provide equip-
(HSRA) was started in 2020 as a way to ment/hands-on support for their students,
provide youth with an economical and realistic racers can still compete in HSRA. It's impor-
opportunity to enter stock car racing and keep tant for schools to want to find a way to
younger generations interested in the sport. recognize any student that may be involved in
Additionally, we strive to expose students to sports even if they are not WIAA-sanctioned
automotive and motorsports careers that are sports, and so many schools have been able to
out there. recognize their students through athletic letters
The HSRA features all high school-aged or pins.
drivers between 14 and 19 years old in com- We understand safety is of the utmost
petition throughout the summer race season importance to you. There are safety require-
(June - September). Racetracks across Wis- ments that must be made to the race cars
consin, Minnesota and Illinois currently host before drivers are allowed to compete. Safety
events, and race teams can choose how often is not optional! Racers and crew members sign
and where they want to race. waivers and minor releases at each track and
Auto racing is a sport that allows for run under the track's insurance. Schools are
comprehensive learning through automotive not liable.
and related fields. Not only are students able
to have fun and participate in positive sports- How we’re making this realistic for
manship, but they have the opportunity to students . . .
develop many hands-on skills, communication within a racetrack setting, we can instill In an effort to keep these student ath-
and marketing through the process and are an emphasis on safety and responsible letes at an amateur status, HSRA drivers do
exposed to trade careers too. Not all students driving practices among young partici- not receive a monetary purse. Instead, HSRA
want to run or throw a ball. pants. This division provides training racers are awarded trophies and provided
and guidance to create responsible benefits, such as discounts at track and divi-
racers — skills that can carry over to sion sponsors, scholarship opportunities, etc.
everyday road use. Entry fees for HSRA drivers and crew are kept
3. Encouraging STEM Education: Motor- minimal at each participating race track.
sports is an ideal opportunity to engage HSRA racers compete for individual
students in science, tech, engineering, points against drivers at all other HSRA tracks
and mathematics education. The inte- for national and state championships. We also
gration of practical applications can crown a school champion, and that school is
make STEM subjects more relatable presented with a traveling trophy.
and exciting for students. As students need support with resources,
4. Scholarships and College Pathways: we work diligently to connect them to those
This experience can open doors to able and willing to help in the motorsports and
college scholarships and career path- automotive communities.
ways in motorsports, automotive, Contact: Jonathan Eckelberg, HSRA
engineering, etc. Students who excel in incorporate their school mascot on the car. So Series Director - jon@highschoolracing.org
the division have been afforded schol- school districts are receiving recognition by or 608-769-3903.
arships from supporters of HSRA to these students competing. and racers are repre-
benefit their education through techni- senting your school with respect and integrity.
cal and trade schooling. Schools do not need to sponsor any races.
So what does it mean for school Per the HSRA rules, students must paint They do not have to hire any event workers or
officials.
districts? their cars with their school colors and/or
High schools across Wisconsin, Min-
nesota and Illinois have been making history
as they make auto racing a letterable sport for High Schools With Current Students Participating
their students. This is not a requirement, but an Melrose-Mindoro High School Galesville-Ettrick-Trempealeau
amazing way to show support! High School
As we strive to get more schools and Royall High School
automotive programs involved and on board, Whitehall Memorial High School Lomira High School
school districts and their students can benefit Minooka High School West Salem High School
from HSRA in many ways: Portage High School Luther High School
1. Fostering Skill Development: A High Tomah High School Northfield High School
School Racing team provides students Evansville High School Sycamore High School
with a unique platform to develop Parkview High School
their driving skills in a controlled and Norwalk Ontario Wilton High School JWP High School
supervised environment. It allows them Home School
to learn valuable lessons indiscipline, Sparta High School Harlem High School
focus, and teamwork while dialing Prairie Phoenix Academy Slinger High School
in their driving abilities (not on the New Lisbon High School Waseca High School
highway!). Romeoville High School Bangor High School
2. Promoting Safety and Responsibility: McFarland High School Oswego East High School highschoolracing.org
By offering a structured racing program