Aaron Cook, Author at Radford Racing School

Radford Racing School Announces Six New Thrilling Driving & Racing Experiences for Enthusiasts of Every Age & Skill Level

Aaron Cook — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 17:33:03 +0000

CHANDLER, Arizona – Aug. 19, 2025 – Radford Racing School (https://radfordracingschool.com/), the nation’s foremost driving and racing school, announced today the addition of six new adrenaline-filled driving experiences (https://radfordracingschool.com/experiences/) that will give enthusiasts of every age and skill level a thrill on their legendary racetrack. The “Demons in the Desert”, “Supercharged Racing”, “Formula Racing Experience”, “Ultimate Muscle Car Experience”, “Triple Threat Racing Experience” and Family Night each offer an electrifying combination of high speed thrills and valuable skills training.

“Our new Radford Experiences are the perfect complement to our world-class performance driving and racing courses,” said Chuck Sundstrom, General Manager of Radford Racing School. “Over the last 60 years, we’ve trained thousands of students to be better drivers, and novice racers to become world champions. But we also realized that some enthusiasts without any racing experience just want to have some high octane fun on the track. Our Experiences are tailored for anybody looking to rev up their inner race car driver behind the wheel of our powerful Dodge SRT and Formula 4 cars.”

Radford Racing School’s Experiences include one, two and three day programs, as well as a special three-hour family night that includes a catered BBQ dinner. Every experience is tailored for each guest or group’s specific interests, skill set and talent. The six new Radford Racing School Experiences include:

Triple Threat Racing Experience (3 Day | $7499) – Road course, Formula 4 and drag racing – the ultimate adrenaline rush and the only racing experience in the country to give you three days to try out three racing disciplines, in three high performance vehicles.
Ultimate Muscle Car Experience (2 Day | $4499) – Hit the road course on the first day in a Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, then jump in the Dodge Demon 170 on day two to take on the quarter mile on the drag strip.
Formula Racing (1 Day | $2999) – A taste of what it’s like to get behind the wheel of a real, FIA formula car – just a pure car meant to do one thing – drive on the track.
Demons in the Desert (1 Day | $2499) – An introduction to Drag Racing that offers the basics of how to make the car perform on a professional NHRA dragstrip.
Supercharged Racing (1 Day | $2499): Get a taste of what it’s like to drive like a racer on a world-class track.
Family Night – Experience the thrill of our legendary racetrack under the lights with the whole crew. From roaring engines to a delicious catered BBQ dinner, it’s high-octane fun for kids and adults alike.

“Even if you have no racing experience, you can find out what it’s like to drive an 800 horsepower muscle car around the racetrack,” said Sundstrom. “Or maybe you just saw the recent ‘F1’ movie and want the experience of a real FIA formula car. Regardless of the thrill you’re seeking, we got you covered. From a fun night out with the family to three days of adrenaline-filled driving, our Experiences will let you tap into that aspiring inner racer and have an absolute blast while doing it.”

Radford Racing School’s menu of Experiences also includes the four-hour Throttle Therapy program that is offered every June and December, as well as the Private Instruction option that allows guests to create their own performance driving program based on their specific interests. Radford Racing Schools Experiences are now open for individual and group booking. Visit https://radfordracingschool.com/experiences/ for details and to book online.

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About Radford Racing School

Founded in 1968, the Radford Racing School, located in Chandler, Ariz., is the only purpose-built driver training facility for performance enthusiasts and the largest driver-training center of its kind in the world. It is also the Official High-Performance Driving School of Dodge//SRT. The school maintains over 100 race-prepared vehicles, sedans, SUVs, open-wheel formula cars, and gas-powered go-karts. For more information about the school, visit www.RadfordRacingSchool.com or call (480) 403-7600.

Radford Racing School Media Contact:
Aaron Cook | ACook@TPRM.com | (214) 606-8242

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Defensive Driving Academy Courses at Radford Racing School

Aaron Cook — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 16:53:39 +0000

CHANDLER, Arizona – June 10, 2025 – Radford Racing School (https://radfordracingschool.com/), the nation’s foremost driving and racing school, has added a new Defensive Driving Academy to its legendary lineup of performance driving and racing courses. Designed for drivers of all ages, the new Academy offers an exhilarating alternative to traditional defensive driving programs and gives students enrolled in the course the option of driving new Dodge vehicles for the first time.

“Over the years, we’ve been asked to develop a dedicated defensive driving program that combines our professional driver training and world-class facility with our fleet of performance-ready Dodge vehicles,” said Chuck Sundstrom, General Manager of Radford Racing School. “We answered that demand with our new Defensive Driving Academy that is an exciting alternative to traditional, often mundane driver education programs. Our one and two day course options are perfect for drivers of every skill level and age. Students will even get to train in our performance-ready Dodge Challenger Hellcat and Dodge Charger Hellcat.”

The Defensive Driving Academy is available for new and experienced drivers, including those with a valid Learners Permit. It was created to develop responsible driving habits in a safe, controlled environment. The one-day course includes classroom instruction along with slalom, accident avoidance, autocross and hot laps with instructors. The two-day course adds additional track time with a focus on high speed braking and advanced handling and autocross training. Every graduate receives a certificate of completion.

“Our new Academy is the defensive driving program you didn’t know you need but will most certainly build your skills behind the wheel,” said Sundstrom. “It will give new drivers more confidence, while seasoned drivers will hone their skills. We’re bringing our performance-level driver training to each course and translating that into safer driving standards for the road. While this course bucks the trend of a traditional defensive driving course, our students will walk away with the knowledge and skills they need to stay safe behind the wheel.”

The Radford Racing School Defensive Driving Academy may qualify for certain auto insurance discounts. Students should contact their provider prior to enrolling in the course.

About Radford Racing School

Radford Racing School Media Contact:
Aaron Cook | ACook@TPRM.com | (214) 606-8242

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Radford Racing School Roars into Spokane at Qlispé Raceway Park

Aaron Cook — Thu, 08 May 2025 07:00:41 +0000

CHANDLER, Arizona – May 8, 2025 – Radford Racing School, the nation’s foremost driving and racing school, announced today that the school will host “Radford on the Road” this June through August at Qlispé Raceway Park near Spokane, Washington. The program, which represents the first time the school has offered professional driver instruction outside its home track in Chandler, Arizona, will include a 2-Day Drag Racing Course and 1-Day Road Racing Experience using the school’s fleet of Dodge SRT Hellcats and the 1025 horsepower Demon 170s.

“Everyone is revved up for the new Radford on the Road program, which will take our professional driver training directly to enthusiasts across the country,” said Chuck Sundstrom, General Manager of Radford Racing School. “We’re headed to Qlispé Raceway Park in Washington State this summer to bring what we do to the Spokane area and the entire Pacific Northwest, which has an incredible motorsports and racing community. This will be an exciting opportunity to give enthusiasts the chance to experience the unbelievable power and performance of our Dodge performance vehicles. The 2-Day Drag Racing Course gives students a rare chance to not only get behind the wheel of our 1025 horsepower Dodge Challenger Demon 170 factory-built drag race cars, but also receive training that will help in all types of performance driving.”

Radford on the Road includes a 2-Day Drag Racing course that is free for all Dodge Demon owners, along with spots for non-owners to purchase. The course will teach essential drag skills such as proper tire warm-up, launch techniques, throttle control, and full-run procedures to maximize each student’s driving ability. On the first day, students will complete three eighth-mile passes and two quarter-mile passes in a 717 horsepower Dodge Challenger Hellcat, and one pass in the Demon 170. Day Two starts with in-depth training with all the specific features of the Demon 170, including transmission brake, torque grids, staging processes, reaction times, and in-depth Drag Racing training. It will end with four 9-second quarter-mile passes in the 1,025 horsepower Dodge Challenger Demon 170. Students can also earn their 9-second NHRA license.

“We’re honored to host Radford Racing School’s premier ‘Radford on the Road’ program at Qlispé Raceway Park (QRP),” said RJ Nomee, General Manager at QRP. “The raceway, which is an extension of Northern Quest Resort & Casino, has become a premier motorsports destination complete with a quarter-mile drag strip and 2.3 mile road course. ‘Radford on the Road’ will give enthusiasts across the Northwest a chance to experience Radford’s Dodge performance vehicles on an NHRA-sanctioned track and be treated to world-class hospitality at Northern Quest.”

The 1-Day Road Racing Experience is $1,999 and can be taken separately or as an add-on to the 2-Day Drag Racing Course. Behind the wheel of the 717 horsepower Dodge Challenger Hellcat, students will be taught fundamental techniques to improve their racing and driving skills. They will enjoy an autocross session and lead and follow track exercises. Lunch is provided daily for students of all courses.

“The Northwest Division is excited to host the renowned Radford Racing School at Qlispe Raceway Park this summer as a part of their “Radford On The Road” Program,” said Mike Eames, NHRA Northwest Division Director. “The school offers a great opportunity to better yourself behind the wheel, including a chance to earn your NHRA Street Legal License in a Demon 170. We have seen the success of the Street Legal License program in Division 7, and it’s great to offer it to racers and car enthusiasts in our part of the country.”

Radford on the Road begins June 16 and runs through August 29 at Qlispé Raceway Park, which is managed by Northern Quest Resort & Casino, owned and operated by the Kalispel Tribe of Indians, and located just outside Spokane, Washington. Guests can enroll for both courses on at https://radfordracingschool.com/radford-on-the-road/. Students can enjoy the Qlispé Raceway Park hotel rate of $139.00 Sunday-Thursday and $239.00 Friday-Saturday when booking accommodations at Northern Quest Resort & Casino.

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About Radford Racing School

Radford Racing School Media Contact:
Aaron Cook | ACook@TPRM.com | (214) 606-8242

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Radford Racing School to be Final Destination on 2024 HOT ROD Power Tour West, October 7-11

Aaron Cook — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 20:42:51 +0000

CHANDLER, Arizona – June 20, 2024 – Radford Racing School, the nation’s foremost driving and racing school, will be the final destination on the 2024 HOT ROD Power Tour West, which will run October 7 to 11, 2024. Kicking off at the In-N-Out Pomona Drag Strip in Pomona, California, this year’s five-day tour will cruise from Southern California through the Western U.S., ending at the famous Radford Racing School in Chandler, Arizona, for a day of autocross on the legendary racetrack.

“We look forward to being the final stop on this year’s HOT ROD Power Tour West,” said Chuck Sundstrom, General Manager of Radford Racing School. “They say, ‘save the best for last’ and we feel like a day on our legendary racetrack is the perfect place to wrap up this year’s tour. Participants will get to experience our purpose-built racetrack during a day of spirited competition racing against each other in a timed autocross course. Not only is our track the ultimate playground for motorsports enthusiasts, but this part of the country is absolutely beautiful during the Fall, making this tour stop one that participants will always remember.”

The HOT ROD Power Tour started in 1995 when the magazine’s editors took a road trip from their headquarters in Los Angeles, California to the season-opening HOT ROD Power Festival in Norwalk, Ohio. Today, Power Tour is the world’s largest traveling car show, boasting over 6,000 long haulers and covering up to 1,000 miles in a five-day road trip. 2023 was the first year for the HOT ROD Power Tour West, which attracted over 700 long haulers and the single day attendees doubled the participant count to over 1,500.

The five-day 2024 HOT ROD Power Tour West stops include:

Monday, October 7: In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip, Pomona, California featuring drag racing
Tuesday, October 8: Pechanga Arena, San Diego, California
Wednesday, October 9: Riverside County Fairgrounds, Indio, California
Thursday, October 10: Windsor Beach, Lake Havasu, Arizona
Friday, October 11: Radford Racing School, Chandler, Arizona, featuring autocross

Registration for the 2024 HOT ROD Power Tour West opens July 2024.

About Radford Racing School
Founded in 1968, the Radford Racing School, located in Chandler, Ariz., is the only purpose-built driver training facility for performance enthusiasts and the largest driver-training center of its kind in the world. It is also the Official High-Performance Driving School of Dodge//SRT. The school maintains over 80 race-prepared vehicles, sedans, SUVs, open-wheel formula cars, and gas-powered go-karts. For more information about the school, visit RadfordRacingSchool.com or call (480) 403-7600.

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Borla Performance Industries Named Official Exhaust System of Radford Racing School

Aaron Cook — Wed, 01 May 2024 16:26:39 +0000

CHANDLER, Arizona – May 1, 2024 – Radford Racing School, the nation’s foremost driving and racing school, announced today an exclusive sponsorship with Borla Performance Industries as the Official Exhaust System Supplier for the Arizona-based high performance driving school. Borla Exhaust will be featured on the school’s fleet of performance Dodge//SRT vehicles as well as other select cars.

“We’re excited to welcome Borla to the Radford Racing School family as our Official Exhaust System Supplier,” said Chuck Sundstrom, General Manager of Radford Racing School. “Borla shares our same commitment to exhilarating high performance racing and driving experiences that have been the hallmark of our school for over 50 years. With the fleet Borla equipped, the driving experience for the participant will be amplified, allowing the driver to utilize all their senses in the driving experience. Sound is a major component in allowing the driver and car to become one and perform at the maximum level in determining shift points and feel RPM changes that occur in performance driving. The systems’ ability to decrease back pressure and increase exhaust flow will unlock some additional performance for our students.”

The sponsorship also utilizes the purpose-built racetrack for research and development of Borla products. An exclusive Borla livery will be featured on one of the Dodge SRT Demon Challengers used in the drag racing course.

“As the Official Exhaust System Supplier of Radford Racing School, Borla will have access to the Radford staff of drivers and car builders, as well as the racetrack, for the ever-evolving research and development of Borla’s technologies,” said David Borla, CMO at Borla. “Our sponsorship with Radford Racing School is the perfect collaboration of two organizations that are committed to the performance driving experience at a world-class level. Since 1978, we’ve been advancing the design and manufacture of aerospace grade exhaust systems utilizing patented performance technologies. We can’t wait to bring our innovative technology to Radford Racing School and collaborate with the Radford team on offering a new level of sound and performance for their students.”

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About Radford Racing School

Founded in 1968, the Radford Racing School, located in Chandler, Ariz., is the only purpose-built driver training facility for performance enthusiasts and the largest driver-training center of its kind in the world. It is also the Official High-Performance Driving School of Dodge//SRT. The school maintains over 80 race-prepared vehicles, sedans, SUVs, open-wheel formula cars, and gas-powered go-karts. For more information about the school, visit RadfordRacingSchool.com or call (480) 403-7600.

About Borla Performance

Industries
Borla Performance Industries is the pioneer and leader in the design and manufacture of stainless steel performance exhaust. The number “78” on our race team vehicles pays homage to the year 1978, when we began by building exhaust systems for Rolls-Royce and Ferrari concours classics. Since that day over four decades ago, we have evolved into the premier exhaust brand of today’s most popular cars and trucks. For more information visit https://www.borla.com/.

Radford Racing School Media Contact:
Aaron Cook | ACook@TPRM.com | (214) 606-8242

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New Dodge Complete Performance Vehicle Protection Package to Include Radford’s Performance Driving

Aaron Cook — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 18:43:24 +0000

April 18, 2024 , Auburn Hills, Mich. – Dodge vehicle owners can now pair maximum vehicle protection with maximum performance thrills. The new Dodge Complete Performance Package complements the vehicle factory powertrain warranty with coverage of more than 5,000 critical components and includes a day of high-performance driving instruction for vehicle owners at Radford Racing School, the official high-performance driving school of Dodge//SRT.

Part of the Mopar Vehicle Protection Plan program, the Dodge Complete Performance Package delivers a six-year/75,000-mile package that offers protection for critical vehicle components, such as the engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, driveline, electrical and thousands of additional components.

The Dodge Complete Performance Package also includes coverage of lube, oil and filter services, tire rotations, coverage of factory-recommended scheduled maintenance, replacement of most wear/tear components, including worn tire replacement and roadside assistance.

The new package not only delivers vehicle protection coverage, but also provides owners with important training to hone their driving skills at Radford Racing School, located in Chandler, Arizona. The one-day driving experience at Radford, valued at $1,500, features exercises, such as team slalom, autocross and hot laps, with drivers behind the wheel of school-provided Dodge//SRT vehicles. The package represents the first performance package offered by Mopar Vehicle Protection to incorporate a performance driving school session.

The Dodge Complete Performance Package provides coverage of more than 5,000 critical vehicle components, including:

Air conditioning
Anti-lock brakes
Body mechanisms
Brakes
Driveline
Electrical
Engine
Full mechanical
Instrumentation
Manual interior mechanisms
Safety and security
Steering
Suspension
Transmission

Additional benefits of the Dodge Complete Performance Package include:

Brake pads
Clutch assembly
Full repair or replacement coverage for all four tires/wheels damaged due to road hazard conditions
Interior rips and tears
Oil changes for life of contract
Paintless dent repair
Rotors
Squeak and rattle repair
Tire rotations
Wheel alignments
Wheel repair (up to $7,500/year)
Windshield glass replacement
Wiper blades
Worn tire replacements (up to two), including stems, mounting/balancing and labor charges

For compete information on pricing, eligible vehicles and details on the Dodge Complete Performance Package, visit mvpdodgesrt.com.

About Radford Racing School

Radford Racing School, the official high-performance driving school of Dodge//SRT, is a premier performance driving and racing training center offering world-class experiences.

Located in Chandler, Arizona, the school offers more than 80 performance vehicles, sedans, SUVs, Ligier JS F4 single seaters and gas-powered go karts. Radford Racing School includes state-of-the-art facilities and event space for private parties and corporate meetings. For more information, visit radfordracingschool.com.

Dodge // SRT

For more than 100 years, the Dodge brand has carried on the spirit of brothers John and Horace Dodge. Their influence continues today as Dodge shifts into high gear with a lineup that delivers unrivaled performance in each of the segments in which the brand competes while moving forward to a future that includes electrified muscle in the form of the next-generation, all-new Dodge Charger.

The next-generation Dodge Charger electrifies a legend, with the Charger retaining its title as the world’s quickest and most powerful muscle car led by the all-new, all-electric 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack. The all-new Dodge Charger will also offer performance choices via multi-energy powertrain options including the 550-horsepower Dodge Charger SIXPACK H.O., powered by the 3.0L Twin Turbo Hurricane High Output engine.

Dodge also keeps its foot on the gas as a pure performance brand with the 710-horsepower Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat, the most powerful SUV ever, and best-in-class standard performance in the compact utility vehicle segment with the Dodge Hornet.

Dodge is part of the portfolio of brands offered by leading global automaker and mobility provider Stellantis. For more information regarding Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), please visit stellantis.com.

Follow Dodge//SRT and company news and video on:
Media website: media.stellantisnorthamerica.com
Dodge brand: dodge.com
Direct Connection: DCPerformance.com
DodgeGarage: dodgegarage.com
Facebook: facebook.com/dodge
Instagram: instagram.com/dodgeofficial
Twitter: twitter.com/dodge and @StellantisNA
YouTube: youtube.com/dodge, youtube.com/StellantisNA

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Radford Racing School’s “A Day at the Drags with Alex Taylor” Set for Saturday, October 26, 2024

Aaron Cook — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 21:34:38 +0000

CHANDLER, Ariz. (March 21, 2024) – Radford Racing School, the world’s premier driving and racing school, and celebrity drag racer Alex Taylor, today announced an exclusive one-day-only celebrity course on October 26, 2024, at Firebird Motorsports Park in Chandler, Arizona. With the support of the celebrated automotive lifestyle influence and co-host of MotorTrend’s Hot Rod Garage, “A Day at the Drags with Alex Taylor” will not only give students a look at Drag Racing from the view of Alex Taylor, but will also give them driving techniques and exercises that will help them to become a safer and better driver on the drag strip and in their every day driving.

“Drag racing fans will have the rare chance to learn from our professional instructors and celebrity racer Alex Taylor at Wildhorse Pass this October,” said Chuck Sundstrom, General Manager at Radford Racing School. “Alex is a talented drag racer who captured the hearts of racing enthusiasts worldwide with her talent for building and working on cars. This special course was created to give our students the chance to improve their driving and competition skills while also sharing some time with one of the most talented drag racers in the business.”

Born and raised in Booneville, Arkansas, Alex Taylor has been a performance enthusiast since she was first introduced to drag racing. In 2013, she competed in Drag Week as the youngest participant. The newly turned 16-year-old ended turned a 12.0936-second average in the Daily Driver category. Today she remains competitive in the drag racing circuit and has become an internet sensation among enthusiasts. In 2022, the racer, builder and mechanic expanded her resume to become the co-host of Hot Rod Garage with Lucky Costa.

“I’m so excited to join the Radford Racing School team and all of our guests for an adrenaline filled day at Wildhorse Pass,” said Taylor. “Drag racing has been my passion and I’ve been fortunate to make it a part of my career over the last few years. Radford Racing School is one of the only places in the country with a dedicated drag racing program and access to NHRA-sanctioned facility. I’m excited to help keep interest in drag racing so strong. I look forward to meeting fellow enthusiasts and share some tips that has kept me competitive over the years.”

“A Day at the Drags with Alex Taylor” will be offered on Saturday, October 26, 2024. Students can choose from a four-hour morning or afternoon session. Alex Taylor will join professional drag racing instructor and Radford Racing School general manager, Chuck Sundstrom, to learn drag racing fundamentals behind the wheel of an 840 horsepower Dodge Challenger Demon. Each student will get five 660-foot passes.

For more information, or to sign up, visit www.radfordracingschool.com/day-at-the-drags.

About Radford Racing School

Founded in 1968, the Radford Racing School, located in Chandler, Ariz., is the only purpose-built driver training facility for performance enthusiasts and the largest driver training center of its kind in the world. It is also the Official High Performance Driving School of Dodge SRT. The school maintains over 80 race-prepared vehicles, sedans, SUVs, and open wheel formula cars, as well as gas-powered go-karts. For more information about the school, visit RadfordRacingSchool.com or call (480) 403-7600.

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Radford Racing School Announces New Online Booking Program with Track Rabbit

Aaron Cook — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 21:43:59 +0000

CHANDLER, Ariz. (February 2, 2024) – Radford Racing School, the world’s premier driving and racing school, announced today the implementation of a new online booking system developed by Track Rabbit, a marketing-based event registration, member management, and administrative e-commerce platform for automotive enthusiasts and the motorsport industry. The system, which was implemented across the school’s high performance driving and racing courses, allows students to book their courses directly online using the simple calendar interface.

“We’re excited to collaborate with the Track Rabbit team both within and beyond the platform,” said Andre Rizzotti, Director of Partnerships at Radford Racing School. “In our short time of working together, the team has already become an extension of our team, brainstorming new ways to make experiences seamless for our customers and build a cohesive customer journey.”

Radford Racing School’s main courses that can be booked online include Advanced Teen Driving, Performance Driving, GT Road Racing, Grand Prix Road Racing, Formula 4, Drag Racing and Karting. The Track Rabbit platform offers product integrations and features in addition to the current 75+ admin-specific features for building revenue, and 25+ social and user management features for building community.

About Radford Racing School

About Track Rabbit®

Track Rabbit® is a marketing-based event registration, member management, and administrative e-commerce platform for automotive enthusiasts and the motorsport industry. Through modern technology and features, the platform is designed to keep users engaged and connected, increase revenue and decrease costs for leading tracks, clubs, schools, and others who run events or manage memberships. The platform is just one of many leveraged offerings within the Andy Lally ALIVE brand and is managed by a team of experts that partner with clients to build their business utilizing both features within the technology and through sister platforms, solutions, and services. Visit trackrabbit.com to learn more.

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Radford Racing School Hires Mark Valentino as Director of Business Development

Aaron Cook — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 22:04:30 +0000

CHANDLER, Ariz. (January 3, 2024) – Radford Racing School, the world’s premier driving and racing school, announced today that automotive industry veteran Mark Valentino has been hired as the school’s Director of Business Development. Valentino will leverage his extensive experience in insurance and risk management, as well as the motorsports community, to his new role in helping expand the school’s industry presence through promotional campaigns, strategic partnerships and special events. He will also lead the development of the school’s newest program, the Radford Motorsports Club. Valentino started January 1, 2024.

“Mark will play an important role in our leadership team at Radford Racing School,” said Chuck Sundstrom, General Manager at Radford Racing School. “As a proven business executive and automotive industry veteran, he brings a passion for motorsports that will help us develop exciting new programs for novice and advanced drivers alike.”

Mark has more than 25 years of commercial insurance experience, including seven years at Hagerty where he was responsible for regional development with a special focus on motorsports teams, racetracks and racing events. Over the years, he has built strategic partnerships with some of the leading motorsports brands, teams and racing facilities.

“I’m thrilled to join the Radford Racing School team and lend my experience to one of the most respected performance driving schools in the country,” said Valentino. “As a long-time resident of Arizona and former student of Radford, I have a deep appreciation for the school’s 50-plus year history. I look forward to applying my career experience to create programs that will inspire new drivers and enthusiasts, as well as advance the careers of the next generation of racers.”

About Radford Racing School

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Radford Racing School Names Motorsports Veteran Chuck Sundstrom as General Manager

Aaron Cook — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 15:47:03 +0000

CHANDLER, Ariz. (December 14, 2023) – Radford Racing School, the world’s premier driving and racing school, announced today that it has named motorsports veteran and professional drag racing instructor Chuck Sundstrom as its new general manager. Beginning January 1, 2024, Sundstrom will manage the Radford Racing School team and operations on the seven-track campus. His focus will be on optimizing the automotive experience for students and guests, which includes drivers at every level – from world-class racers to teens, special forces, and groups.

“Chuck is well known and respected in the industry, as well as our local community, making him a perfect fit for our team,” said Pat Velasco, Radford Racing School owner. “Over the years, he has collaborated with many of the most respected motorsports brands, which includes developing our world-class drag racing program. We look forward to fully integrating him as the leader of our amazing team of pro instructors and sales and marketing experts to jumpstart 2024 and build on our school’s continuing success.”

A native of Michigan, Sundstrom began his career at a car dealership as a young teen. He was raised in a family of drag racers and started competing when 16 years old. Over the last two decades, Chuck has pursued his drag racing passion as a full-time driver, mechanic, track manager and as the Race Director at Firebird International Raceway and Spokane County Raceway.

His time on the track as a racer, along with his experience working behind the scenes with the NHRA, Lucas Oil, and other sanctioning bodies outside of the NHRA, has given Chuck a balanced understanding of the motorsports industry.

Most recently, Sundstrom led an events business and security company that created and delivered high-profile events at automotive venues throughout the country. He has experience as the operations and facility director at Spokane Country Raceway and Firebird International Raceway, which was located on the Gila River Indian Community’s Wild Horse Pass property, adjacent to the Radford Racing School. A serial entrepreneur, Sundstrom also owned and operated a specialty automotive company in Arizona.

“This is an exciting time to be a performance enthusiast,” said Sundstrom. “Radford Racing School is the ultimate motorsports destination offering a full complement of world-class instruction on legendary tracks. I look forward to taking the next steps toward growth with the team.”

About Radford Racing School

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