Talladega, Ala., is home to $900 million-asset First Bank of Alabama, but it’s also home to the Talladega Superspeedway, a famous NASCAR racetrack. It’s fitting, then, that Chad Jones, president and CEO, and Mitch Key, executive vice president and COO—both of whom grew up in or near Talladega—have developed a relationship with the superspeedway folks.
The two businesses partnered to develop a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) program event for local seventh graders that’s hosted at the racetrack. “[The superspeedway management team] approached us with the idea of sponsoring a day at the racetrack,” Key notes. “The events are typically on Friday of race weekend, where we bring in young people from across our footprint, which is six counties in east-central Alabama.”
“In Talladega, we can show them one of the biggest sports that has all types of jobs. You don’t have to be a racecar driver to be associated with NASCAR.”—Mitch Key, First Bank of Alabama
Jones is a big advocate for sharing real-life opportunities within STEM fields. In his hometown, NASCAR presents a range of opportunities. With the program, he wanted to show the students that NASCAR isn’t just about the driver. It’s a collaboration of the entire team.
“These are just some of the opportunities we wanted to put forth that are right here in our backyard,” he says. “In Talladega, we can show them one of the biggest sports that has all types of jobs. You don’t have to be a racecar driver to be associated with NASCAR.”
On these special Fridays, about 500 students get a glimpse of the different jobs available throughout NASCAR. First Bank of Alabama employees serve as their tour guides, taking them through stations where they get to see positions varying from crew chief to engineer, car hauler and more. They also learn how to build a race car and what it takes to run a racetrack.
Applying what they’ve learned in the classroom to each station at Superspeedway is integral to the STEM program. One of the most popular stations involves the spotter, located at the highest point of Superspeedway. Spotters communicate with the drivers to assist them during the race. Students can try on the headset and learn about radio communication and the importance of technology for racing.
As a final station, the students get the chance to talk to Daniel Hemric, driver of the No. 11 Chevrolet for Kaulig Racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. At age five, he began go-karting and realized his passion for racing. Now a NASCAR driver of eight years, he spends 33 weekends out of the year racing in the Xfinity series. The students are thrilled to ask questions that keep Hemric on his toes.
The life lesson
At its core, the collaboration between First Bank of Alabama and the Talladega Superspeedway brings STEM to life in a fun way. The community bank understands how to make learning hands-on and enjoyable.
“This was just a perfect tie in between young people, the racetrack and First Bank of Alabama,” says Key. “We’re excited, our employees are excited about it, they’re all anxious to go do STEM, because we recognize the impact it’s having. So, it’s just been a win-win all the way around.”
“[Children] have leaders within their community, like First Bank of Alabama, the Talladega Superspeedway and other individuals involved, pulling for them.”—Daniel Hemric, NASCAR
Aiming to pique the students’ curiosity and demonstrate that careers don’t have to be mundane, Key wants to leave them feeling inspired. “I hope the community will see that First Bank of Alabama is committed to our young people and growing our communities,” he says. “Our young people are our future. I think as much as we can pour into them, and as much as we can do to help them be successful … I just don’t know of a much greater calling than that.”
The event has generated much positive feedback and attention from parents, teachers, administrators and students. Students are even asking Jones for autographs. “Their thank-yous, the letters that I’ve received where they’ve either drawn pictures or handwritten notes, are proof of appreciation,” Jones says. “It’s good to see that we still have good in the communities that we serve.”
Confident of the event’s impact on students, Hemric hopes that his perspective on leadership and community resonates with them.
“They have leaders within their community, like First Bank of Alabama, the Talladega Superspeedway and other individuals involved, pulling for them,” he says. “People are trying to do everything they can to make sure they have a successful journey through life, and people have their backs. I know that was important for me growing up, and it’s a huge part of what First Bank of Alabama is about.”
