Phoenix: Doug Herbert preview

Herbert's "For My Boys" Tour Heads to Firebird Focused on Victory

CHANDLER, Ariz. (February 20, 2008) Firebird Raceway will forever occupy a spot in the heart of Doug Herbert, owner and driver of the SnaponFranchise.com Top Fuel dragster. The last time he passed through the gates, his heart was heavy as he made his way home to mourn the loss of his sons, Jon and James.

Now, less than a month after losing Jon and James in a tragic automobile accident, Herbert returns to Firebird a changed man, with a sense of direction, determination, and motivation like never before.

"My life will never be the same," said Herbert. "What can I say? I am still devastated, but we are trying to make some good come out of what has happened. I do not want another parent to experience the feelings I have had over the past few weeks.

"We are in the process of creating a nation wide program to promote safer driving among young people. The program is B.R.A.K.E.S. -- Be Responsible and Keep Everyone Safe. With the help of Jon's classmates, we already have a website under construction: www.putonthebrakes.com. Our goal is to help save lives so no one has to go through what we are going through."

Even as he focuses his sorrow on B.R.A.K.E.S. to help prevent others from enduring such a tragedy, Herbert has found a renewed sense of determination and motivation for the 2008 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing season.

"We are motivated like never before," said Herbert. "Yeah, everyone always wants to win every race, but we feel it. Last week was a little like testing for us, and coming away with a round win was good but we want more.

"The Snap-on team is really pulling together, and we all have one goal: to win, and win for my boys."

-credit: dhr