DAYTONA BEACH — At the age of 11, Wesley Brown developed a love for cars.
“I’ve always had a passion for racing,” said Brown, now 56. “My older brothers introduced me to racing when I was 8-years-old.”
Now Brown, a Palm Coast resident, has turned that passion into a nonprofit dedicated to teaching kids in the community a love for racing and all things automobile.
Brown founded Minority Racing Association in 2014, working with kids of all ages, from elementary to high school, teaching an array of automobile-related skills at no cost.
CHANGING NASCAR:Michael Jordan’s NASCAR team and its sponsors have a primary goal: Diversity
KEN WILLIS:NASCAR tries lowering flag on an old emotional issue
‘Something for everyone’
“A lot of the kids don’t want to drive,” said Brown. “But there’s something special for all of them. When I did my first summer program, one of the kids didn’t want to work on the car. So I asked a manager at one of the O’Reilly’s (Auto Parts store) to come in. He taught the kids how to research and order auto parts. There’s more than just racing when it comes to cars. There’s mechanics, computer engineers, technicians, marketing management, logo design. There’s a place for every kid.”
Brown pays out of pocket for most of the expenses needed to keep the wheels rolling.
“Due to COVID we really haven’t done anything for the last year and a half,” said Brown. “I’m planning on having a summer program teaching them about simulators. I got a guy from Orlando that’s going to teach SIM racing. And we actually have SIM competitions. Kids are always on video games. This will be more productive.”
Brown said the immediate need for his kids is nailing down a permanent garage location. The team utilized the garage space at both Advantage Motorsports and Dave Moore’s Auto Repair in Daytona Beach.
‘Hands on experience’
Brandon Hammond, a DeLand resident, said he’s learned a lot since signing up with Brown two years ago.
“The organization generally educates you about the power train construction, maintenance and modification of vehicles to make them safer,” said Hammond, 18. “What we’ve learned can apply to really any vehicle that someone may own.”
Hammond said he’s sold on the organization.
“I would highly recommend this to anyone that wants to learn about cars, racing, or just wants to learn some new tools of the trade,” he said. “The training ranges from changing a tire on the car to pulling the motor out of the vehicle and rebuilding it. My brother and I received a tool kit after completing a portion of the program.”
But the Minority Racing Association isn’t just a boys club.
“I remember working on cars with my dad when I was younger,” said 22-year-old Jasmine Fisher. “I’ve learned things like changing brakes, how to change the gear fluid on the differential and how to change a tire. I also like hanging out with my friends.”
THROUGH THE GEARS: Pitbull race team wins, further signaling a major NASCAR shift | Through the Gears
THROUGH THE GEARS: NASCAR youth movement slows at Richmond with Dale Earnhardt Jr. up next
NASCAR Richmond odds: Early lines, sleepers and best value picks for Toyota Owners 400
‘Rev those engines’
Brown’s nonprofit participated in the 10th Annual Champ Car Endurance Series, a 14 hour race held at Daytona Beach International Speedway on April 2. The team placed 6th in class and 47th overall out of 125 cars.
Kamari Odom, David Dalton Jr, Noah Blake and Francis Brown were members of the driving team who took turns shifting gears in a 2005 Mustang GT.
Dalton, a Charlotte, North Carolina resident, said he connected with Brown on social media.
“We connected through Facebook,” said Dalton, 23. “He was looking for drivers. I said yes to the opportunity as it seemed like an awesome one. For as long as I can remember I’ve been into cars, racing and the design of them. I’ve raced Formula 4 and F1600.”
The endurance race at the Speedway kicked off on April 1 with everyone lined up to get their cars inspected.
“Even though this is somewhat of a budget racing series there are regulations to go by,” said Dalton.
“I’ve been racing for about four years,” said the 23-year-old Odom. “Everyone will get a chance to drive. So we’ll do what’s called ‘stints.’ It’s like a tag team sort of thing where it’s different drivers at different points. And then depending on how much fuel, strategy and that sort of thing, it could be up to 45 minutes to an hour or two hours depending on track conditions.”
Much like Brown, Odom said he developed a love for racing at a young age.
“Brown reached out to me on Facebook about this opportunity,” he said. “I was excited and couldn’t wait to get on the track. Since I was 4-years-old I’ve loved racing. NASCAR actually got me into it. So my ultimate goal is IndyCar, Formula One. I’d love to race all over the world.”
‘Built from scratch’
Francis Brown, worked with his father, Wesley, on building the 2005 Mustang GT.
“It technically started as nothing,” said Francis Brown, 27. “We basically tore out all the unnecessary parts. We had to rebuild parts of the engine. Then we got everybody to help put this masterpiece together honestly. Now it’s quite a beauty if I say so myself.”
Brown said he was introduced to racing by his father when he was 12.
“We started going out to see races at the New Smyrna Speedway,” he said. “We’ve ventured out to other racing events. We just got back from Atlanta. That was pretty fun. My favorite part about all of this is working with my dad. The group of guys we have are amazing and I love the learning experience.”
For information on the program or to donate please visit Minority Racing Association at https://mra-fl.org/
Erica Van Buren covers general assignment and Ormond Beach government for The Daytona Beach News-Journal and USA TODAY Network. Connect with her at EVanBuren@News-Jrnl.com or on Twitter: @EricaVanBuren32