Insights & Information

Making Awana Grand Prix tracks at 192 mph

Triad’s ninth Awana Grand Prix March 22 was one for the record books — with the largest number of racers (110) and the fastest times.

The quickest car made it down the track in a mere 2.5744 seconds. That’s 192 mph based on the track’s scale.

The 2015 race was a fitting tribute of sorts to former race coordinator Daryl Burnette, who had handed over the reins to Assistant Children’s Ministries Director Austin Needham.

Burnette, his wife, Leah, and their three children fly out of Charlotte March 31 for a new life as missionaries in Mozambique.

Burnette leaves knowing the race he loved so much is in good hands. In 2014, he led the effort that secured a new track and software for the race, and added the new Champions Division for previous speed category winners in any category.

Needham credits the smooth transition to Burnette’s solid foundation and his 2015 Awana Grand Prix support team and committee of Atlas Brooks, Jason Collins, and Steve Jones.

“It was my first Awana Grand Prix experience leading the race and I couldn’t have done it without them,” Needham said of the team’s help. “We put together the track and tested it, and did something that we’ve never done before but definitely will again — registration and a car-building clinic on Saturday so everything was ready to go on Sunday.”

Brooks, who built cars with his sons for about five years, enjoyed his first year on the committee.

“I thought it was interesting to be behind the scenes and see all the planning that goes into the event,” he said. &ldqquo;The workshop was great since a lot of people just brought the parts for the car in a bag. We had a bandsaw and sandpaper for sanding and materials for polishing the axles and the result was that all the cars were faster.

“Some years, we’d have cars that wouldn’t hardly make it all the way down the track. In the past, a time of 2.7 seconds would have won a first-place trophy, so it was nice to see the overall level of competition increase.”

Gary Locklear and his son, Landon, 3, were among several first-timers. They made working on the car an extended family affair as Gary’s father-in-law and Landon’s grandfather, David Callahan, not only bought the decals for Brandon’s Batman truck but built and raced a Superman car himself in the Open Division.

“Landon enjoyed going to the race and when they announced his name, he thought that was the greatest thing ever,” Locklear said. “He finished fourth but it didn’t matter to him that he didn’t get a trophy. He was so excited about the ribbon all the racers received just for participating.

“He talked about that all that night and then the next day. I thought the race was a great experience and we look forward to participating again next year when he’ll be a little older and understand it more. We just did the basics this year but will put a little more time together on the car next year, too.”

Brooks said the Grand Prix not only provides for family bonding time and entertainment but helps boost awareness of and interest in Triad’s Awana program and clubs.

“The kids really love it, and especially the younger kids,” Brooks said. “They are up on their feet and yelling and screaming like it’s an NFL football game. That’s the best part for me — seeing the fun the kids have watching, competing, and working together with the families.”

Watch the video: a race car’s view

Phase 2 Shot of TBC B&W 17

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