Kurt Busch, Kyle Petty, Michael Waltrip and more than two dozen other racing figures raced go-karts in Mooresville on Oct. 7 to benefit B.R.A.K.E.S.

The inaugural B.R.A.K.E.S. Grand Prix, billed as the "Race 2 Save Lives Pro-Am Go Kart Challenge," drew drivers from NASCAR, NHRA, IndyCar and other circuits to Trackhouse Motorplex, as first reported by Lake Norman Publications. Four-person teams paired professional racers with guests on the venue's 0.7-mile, 11-turn track. The evening also featured autograph sessions, a car show and food vendors.

B.R.A.K.E.S. stands for Be Responsible And Keep Everyone Safe. Doug Herbert, the organization's founder and a multi-time Top Fuel drag racing champion, started the nonprofit after his sons, Jon and James, were killed in a car crash on Jetton Road in Cornelius in 2008, according to Lake Norman Publications' preview coverage of the event. Herbert turned that loss into a national program that has trained more than 175,000 teens and parents.

"I'm honored that so many from the motorsports community took the time to join us for this very special evening, which will help us further our goal of training teens and their parents across the country," Herbert said.

More than 30 racing personalities joined Herbert at the event. Brothers Rusty, Kenny and Mike Wallace all took part, along with Justin Allgaier, Aric Almirola, Todd Bodine, Matt Crafton, Kelley Earnhardt, Jesse Love, Matteo and Max Papis, Phil Parsons and Scott Speed. Devin Jones earned "Fastest Lap" recognition.

An independent study by UNC Charlotte found that B.R.A.K.E.S. graduates are 64% less likely to be involved in a crash during their first three years of licensed driving, according to Lake Norman Publications. The program uses vehicles provided by Kia Motors and covers skills including panic braking, skid recovery and crash avoidance. HendrickCars.com served as the championship sponsor for the Oct. 7 event.

The organization is headquartered in Concord. No fundraising total from the event has been announced.

B.R.A.K.E.S. offers free training sessions for teens and parents throughout the year. Families can find upcoming dates and register at putonthebrakes.org.