I didn't want kids to graduate with false hopes of careers,'' the teacher said. Tenpenny said anyone can help with the race car through the Auto Club, but he wanted to make sure those who could most use the class had a chance to take it. After devoting time, muscle and thought to the project, the class takes the Vega to the drag strip. The drags are the treat rather than the focus. He takes students, alumni and parents to Heartland Raceway in Topeka or the Kansas City strip.
Students earn the privilege of driving the car.
Among other things, they must have at least a B average in all courses and a parent must escort each driver to the starting line. Each wears a fire suit and a helmet. In the last two races, the car peaked at 119 mph, making the quarter-mile in 12.07 seconds.