The Operation Motorsport Program Foundation (OpMo) and Skip Barber Racing School (SBRS) announce their official partnership as they work together to engage medically retiring military members and veterans, using motorsports to help build a sense of Team, Identity, and Purpose. SBRS will become the US branch of the OpMo Academy Driver Development Program, as OpMo becomes an official charity of SBRS.
This new partnership allows Operation Motorsport, to align with the Skip Barber Racing School, an organization steeped in international recognition for their racing school programs, driver development, and commitment to giving back to those who served.
Operation Motorsport is a Veteran Led and Operated, 501(c)3 Not for Profit Foundation, based in Raleigh, North Carolina and Brighton, Ontario, serving American & Canadian service members and veterans and was founded on the basis of three simple words: Excite, Engage and Empower. The premise is to engage retiring Service Members and Veterans affected by military service, through Motorsport activities, using Team, Identity & Purpose to aid in their recovery. For more information and to donate, please visit http://operationmotorsport.org.
In 2021, Skip Barber Racing embraced U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Dustin Burkhalter, a combat veteran, and medically released service member. Throughout the SRO TC America series, the team provided opportunities and tools that allowed Dustin to successfully transition from the military into a full-time position within motorsports.
“When we first started talking about partnering with Skip Barber Racing, to me, it was a natural fit. I watched how the crew works together in the paddock and the pits. I watched how they treated Dustin, who was a brand-new beneficiary and struggling with his medical release.” said Tiffany Lodder, Executive Director. “The SBRS team gets it. They are there for each other as a team. This is also evidenced by how many veterans they currently employ in their organization. Everyone wants to give back, and Skip Barber Racing is making it happen with this partnership.”
This new partnership expands Operation Motorsport’s reach in the racing world and brings new opportunities within other aspects of high-performance driving. Further, this partnership cements Skip Barber Racing School’s commitment to supporting the military and veteran communities while expanding their reach to include Canadian serving and medically retired military members.
“We are very excited to expand our relationship with OpMo and their Motorsports Immersion Program.” said Anthony DeMonte, CEO of Skip Barber. “The OpMo mission perfectly aligns with Skip Barber Racing School’s position as the gateway to motorsports. We are honored to provide those who have served with a pathway to a career in motorsports.”
Operation Motorsport will utilize Skip Barber Racing School driving events to introduce performance driving and motorsports to the military and veteran communities. This will allow the Foundation to build a driver development program that meets team entry requirements for the Race of Remembrance, a 12-hour endurance race at Anglesey Circuit, Wales, UK which annually coincides with Veterans Day / Remembrance Day.
About Skip Barber Racing School
With international racing experience, celebrated skill, and the firm belief that competitive race car driving was teachable, Skip Barber founded his legendary racing school in 1975. Since that first class, over 400,000 students have become racers and champions.
Today, we are the world’s largest automotive education and entertainment company offering driving and racing schools at the finest tracks in America. We operate the Skip Barber Formula Race Series, field championship race teams in TC and TC America, create innovative OEM programs that elevate the finest automotive marques, and produce corporate programs that build teamwork and recognize outstanding achievement.
For more information please visit Skip Barber.com.
About Operation Motorsport
Operation Motorsport is a Veteran Led and Operated, 501(c)3 Not for Profit Foundation, based in Raleigh, North Carolina and Brighton, Ontario, serving American & Canadian service members and veterans and was founded on the basis of three simple words: Excite, Engage and Empower. The premise is to engage retiring Service Members and Veterans affected by military service, through Motorsport activities, using Team, Identity & Purpose to aid in their recovery.
For more information and to donate, please visit OperationMotorsport.org
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