A six-time IHRA Top Fuel winner at Bristol, Herbert was inducted during night qualifying on Friday, June 16. He is the latest drag racing star to be inducted into Bristol Dragway’s Hall of Fame, joining such names as former track GM Jeff Byrd, Speedway Motorsports executive chairman Bruton Smith, NHRA legend Don Garlits, NHRA legend and current Funny Car driver John Force and NHRA team owner Don Schumacher.

Herbert’s biggest impact may have come off the racetrack. In the late 2000s, Herbert created B.R.A.K.E.S., a non-profit organization whose mission is to train and educate teen drivers and their parents about the importance of safe and responsible driving. He founded the organization following the tragic loss of his two sons in a car crash in 2008. Since then, Herbert has made an amazing difference in the lives of numerous families through his comprehensive at-track driving programs, including at Bristol Dragway.

“Doug has one of the best resumes in Bristol Dragway history,” said Jerry Caldwell, executive vice president and general manager of Bristol Dragway. “Not only did he win a lot of races here, but he also recorded a number of significant firsts at Thunder Valley. In addition, his teen safety driving program has made a major difference in the lives of families all across this country, including right here in the Tri-Cities region.”

Herbert was one of the favorites every time IHRA Drag Racing arrived at Thunder Valley. The nitro pilot won six consecutive events from 1992-1997, solidifying his claim as one of Bristol’s best ever. Going up against names such as Shirley Muldowney, Del Worsham, Paul Romine and Jack Ostrander, Herbert never faltered, adding to his Bristol lore.

In addition to his numerous victories, Herbert produced a number of firsts at Thunder Valley. In 1996, he was the first driver to break the four-second barrier at Bristol. Herbert followed that feat a year later with another first: becoming the first driver in track history to clock a speed at more than 300 mph.

About Bristol Dragway

Affectionately known as “Thunder Valley,” Bristol Dragway is nestled in the mountains of northeast Tennessee near the Virginia state line. The historic dragstrip celebrates its 52nd anniversary this year as one of the most revered race tracks in the country. Playing host to numerous big events including the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals, Super Chevy Show, Fitzgerald Peterbuilt Truck Show, DER Bracket Series, the weekly Street Fights series presented by 99.3 The X, World Footbrake Challenge, Sparco Fall Fling and operating more than 70 event days each season, Bristol Dragway is truly one of the most diverse drag racing facilities in the nation.
For more information, visit bristoldragway.com.

About B.R.A.K.E.S.

Doug Herbert’s B.R.A.K.E.S. (Be Responsible and Keep Everyone Safe) is a 501(c)3 non-profit whose mission is to prevent injuries and save lives by training and educating teenage drivers and their parents about the importance of safe and responsible driving. The Concord, North Carolina Teen Pro-Active Defensive Driving Program was founded in 2008 after Top Fuel drag racer Doug Herbert lost his two young sons, Jon and James, in a tragic car crash. Although devastated by his loss, Doug decided to turn his grief into something positive and created a driving program in the hopes of preventing other families from experiencing similar tragedy. Over 25,000 teens from 43 different states and three countries – and their parents – have graduated from the B.R.A.K.E.S.’ intensive half-day training course, which is free of charge and features hands-on skills exercises taught by professional instructors in a fleet of new vehicles donated by Kia Motors America. The course maintains a low three-to-one student-to-instructor ration and requires a least one parent to attend with each teen. 

Contact Us:
B.R.A.K.E.S.
7140 Weddington RD NW
Suite 120
Concord, NC 28027
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://putonthebrakes.org/