Story By: ELON WERNER / JOSH HART RACING – HUNTINGTON, IN – Brittanie and Josh Hart know that their hometown of Huntington, Indiana, had a big impact on making them a loving family and successful business entrepreneurs. Josh and Brittanie’s romance blossomed at the local Applebee’s and as a young couple they dreamed to building a life together.
Today, they returned to Huntington with their two children, Londyn and Banks, to support two organizations with significant donations that are near and dear to their hearts, the high school automotive program at the Huntington County Community Learning Center and United with Love food pantry.
The Harts donated a Snap-On PolarTek® YF A/C Machine, valued at approximately $17,075, to the automotive department and Hart talked with two different groups of students today about following their dreams and the benefits of pursing a career in automotive tech. Dan Niebauer, HCCLC Automotive Instructor, showed off a variety of projects the students are working on as well as their incredible learning environment. Hart spoke with students about building Burnyzz Speed Shop in Ocala, Florida, as well as his R+L Carriers Top Fuel dragster operation.
“I was so impressed with Dan’s automotive department and the level of instruction he is providing these kids. I wish I had a teacher like him when I was in high school,” said Hart, who build Burnyzz Speed Shop with his wife Brittanie into a multi-million-dollar business from an initial $300 investment. “The kids asked great questions and are really getting some strong life and business skills. I want to thank Snap-On for working with us on this donation. Having a diagnostic tool like the PolarTek A/C Machine gives these kids a leg up.”
Last year when the Harts were in Huntington donating to the local park system and the Police Athletic League football program, they toured United with Love food pantry and saw an opportunity to help more Huntington County residents. This spring under Brittanie Hart’s direction they made a $10,000 challenge donation for the month of March. At the end of month-long “Race to Fill the Food Pantry” over $10,000 was donated to reach the matching goal from the Harts. Today they met with the United with Love board of directors and food pantry executive director Erin Didion for a symbolic check presentation.
“The work Erin, the board and their volunteers are doing at United with Love really touched my heart,” said Brittanie Hart. “There are so many families in need, and we are thrilled our donation helped United with Love and hundreds of families in the local community. Erin talked about all the great things the food pantry is doing and we are thrilled to see them succeeding.”
The Harts will turn their attention to the Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals this weekend, but their giving spirit will continue as daughter Londyn will be one of ten young women participating on Sunday the Princess Pink Lemonade Stand with proceeds going to Riley Children’s Hospital. Josh Hart will be piloting the R+L Carriers Top Fuel dragster starting with qualifying on Friday night as the two-time U.S. Nationals Top Alcohol Dragster champion will be looking to add a Top Fuel U.S. Nationals Wally to his trophy case.