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2016/2017 'Mopar Road Ready Powered by Dodge' Teen Safe-driving Slate Announced


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Mopar Road Ready Powered by Dodge" program returns for seven additional events, third year of teaching teens importance of being safe behind wheel

MORRISON, CO - July 23, 2016: For the third consecutive year, the Mopar and Dodge brands will partner up to help teach teens critical skills and strategies for staying safe and smart behind the wheel. The new "Mopar Road Ready Powered by Dodge" teen safe-driving program schedule was announced today at the Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals drag race at Bandimere Speedway, which will host a Denver-area program stop later this fall.

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Over the first two years of the "Mopar Road Ready Powered by Dodge" program, nearly 2,700 teens and their parents have participated in the complimentary classes, learning safe and defensive-driving techniques.

"At Mopar, we love being fast at the track, but it's even more important to stay safe on the streets," said Pietro Gorlier, Head of Parts and Service (Mopar), FCA – Global. "We're proud to work with the Dodge brand, as well as the NHRA and the B.R.A.K.E.S. organization, in extending our mission to educate and empower teens with tools and skills that will help keep them safe on the road."

The 2016/2017 "Mopar Road Ready Powered by Dodge" schedule will return the program to the Metro Detroit area in Center Line, Michigan, on October 8-9, with a stop for the second consecutive year at Bandimere Speedway on October 22-23. Next are two new venues, one in Austin, Texas on December 3-4 and the first 2017 classes, scheduled for Phoenix in February. The program will wrap up with returns to Englishtown, New Jersey, April 22-23, 2017; Sarasota/Bradenton in Florida, May 20-21, 2017; and another two-day visit to Metro Detroit in May.

"The Dodge brand wants all drivers to experience that visceral feeling that makes them fall in love with driving, and that includes making sure they feel comfortable in all driving situations," said Tim Kuniskis, Head of Passenger Car Brands – Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and FIAT, FCA – North America. "The 'Mopar Road Ready Powered by Dodge' program gives new teen drivers the opportunity to learn important driving skills, gain valuable experience behind the wheel and fall in love with driving in the process."

"Mopar Road Ready Powered by Dodge" is aided by a collaboration with the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Motorsports Museum and B.R.A.K.E.S. (Be Responsible And Keep Everyone Safe), two nationally recognized non-profit 501(c)3 organizations that share similar missions of promoting the importance of safe and responsible driving.

The advanced driving program, designed to teach safe and defensive driving techniques, is available to teens between the ages of 15-19 with a learner's permit or driver's license and at least 30 hours of driving experience. Participants will benefit from a proven curriculum and skilled high-caliber instructors provided by the B.R.A.K.E.S. organization. It incorporates both classroom education and hands-on training with a 3:1 student-to-instructor ratio, allowing for quality time with each teen.

Each teen driver's participation in the training program will include a companion experience for a parent or adult guardian who also will actively take part. "Mopar Road Ready Powered by Dodge" sessions provide a brief classroom review of core driving topics, including proper seat positioning, hand positioning and basic vehicle dynamics. Advanced behind-the-wheel training will then be provided to teens with on-track course sessions, including accident avoidance (slalom), distraction, panic stop, wheel drop and wet skid pad.

"Mopar Road Ready Powered by Dodge" classes are free of charge to registered teens and their parents or guardians. A $99 refundable registration deposit is required to secure a spot and is returned after the session or can be donated to the B.R.A.K.E.S. organization to help support the continuation and growth of the program.

To register your teen for a 2016/2017 "Mopar Road Ready Powered by Dodge" event, visit www.mopar.com/road-ready/register.

For more information on the NHRA Motorsports Museum and B.R.A.K.E.S., visit www.nhra.com or www.putonthebrakes.org.