BILLINGS – Some inspiration for reading culminated in a fun day at the race track.
Racing enthusiasts brought “Read Win Race” to three schools on Friday.
Students at Trinity Lutheran, Elysian and Canyon Creek heard and saw the powerful drag racing cars.
For the next four weeks, 700 students will read in a competition.
The winner of the reading race automatically advances to the drag racing final, featuring the principals as the drivers.
“Having these guys come out and show them their talents and interests and hobbies, that in itself will get kids to read,” said Brent Lipp, Canyon Creek principal. “Sounds like I’m going to get a chance to try it out. I’ve never done it and I’m excited about that.”
Lipp will race against Elysian’s Luke Shelton and Trinity’s Rick Thomas.
Dale Sekora, organizer of “Read Win Race” said the thinking behind the program is reading is winning, racing makes it fun.
“It’s called the ultimate principal challenge,” Sekora said. “Seeing all the kids and the excitement around the cars is huge. It’s been a very exciting day. You can’t involve 700 kids with cars and racing and all the excitement of it and not believe that somewhere in the future, you’re going to change one of those kids’ lives.”
The principals from each of the three schools will race at the Yellowstone Drag Strip in Acton on May 25.
