Milton Hershey School, World of Outlaws, Hersheypark Host Second Annual Hershey Sprint Car Experience

Milton Hershey School, World of Outlaws, and Hershey Entertainment & Resorts came together on Monday, May 13 to expose students to career opportunities in the racing industry. 

Additionally, the general public learned of the exceptional educational and employment opportunities available at MHS. The Hershey Sprint Car Experience welcomed nearly 20 professional race car drivers to Hersheypark Stadium. 

The event celebrated modern-day racing while paying tribute to those who raced here 85 years ago. Hersheypark Stadium was once the home of the Hershey Stadium Speedway, which opened May 18, 1939.

“Most of these kids have never really seen a race car or heard anything about it,” said driver Jade Avedisian. “For them to come out and Hershey to do such a great job, put on this event, have so many kids, I think it’s cool.”

During the event, guests engaged in hands-on activities through various stations in the stadium. Students had the opportunity to sit in cars, talk to drivers about their professions, and learn about the different racing classifications.

“Getting kids interested in racing and motor sporting cars in general is huge,” said Outlaw driver Giovanni Scelzi. 

Avedisian and Scelzi focused on racing’s future, while other MHS partners highlighted the sport’s past. The Eastern Museum of Motor Racing, Hershey Antique Auto Museum, and Hershey Stadium Speedway Facebook page brought memorabilia and antique racing cars.

“It was nice to share memories of the Hershey Speedway with so many people and give the kids a history lesson,” said Rob Ziemba of the Hershey Stadium Speedway Facebook page.

Earlier in the day,  professional race car drivers visited Career and Technical Education classes in the school’s Middle and Senior Divisions.

At Catherine Hall, MHS Middle Division students heard from Scelzi and Avedisian, who shared their experience with professional racing and the unique composition of their race cars. Afterward, students worked alongside Sclezi and Avedisian to build LEGO cars that safely transported a Peep passenger. 

Senior Division students met Outlaw Brock Zearfoss and PA Posse driver Chase Dietz. 

The visit began with drivers sharing the story of their racing careers. Then, they spoke with students about the skills they can learn in a classroom that can transfer into a professional racing experience. 

Finally, the students raced to put tires on cars in the auto shop to experience a racing team’s fast-paced but careful work. 

Through events like the Hershey Sprint Car Experience and our partnership with World of Outlaws, students have hands-on learning opportunities and the chance to explore their passions.