#USA #Nashville #Harley-Davidson #Northern Tool #Legends Build

Northern Tool + Equipment Unveils the Legends Build Student Challenge

In an exciting new initiative, Northern Tool + Equipment has kicked off the Legends Build: Student Challenge, inviting high school students to embark on a nine-month journey that will see them create a Harley-Davidson XR750 inspired motorcycle. This hands-on program encourages students from LaVergne High School in Tennessee to not only hone their skills in welding, painting, and mechanical repair but also learn from legendary builders and racers in the motorcycle community.

An Unforgettable Surprise

The journey began with a surprise visit from racing legend Scott Parker, who rode into the school on an XR750 motorcycle, revealing the ambitious project the students would undertake. Initially expecting to work on a much simpler project, the students were astonished to learn they had been selected to build a race-ready motorcycle over the span of 174 days. "We thought it was going to be a sprint kart, and when they told us we'd be building a race bike, it blew our minds!" remarked one enthusiastic student.

Learning from the Best

Each step of this challenge will be guided by seasoned professionals in the racing and fabrication worlds, including notables like Chris Carr, Kenny Coolbeth Jr., Billy Lane, and others. These mentors will demonstrate techniques and share invaluable insights, ensuring that students not only learn the craft but also understand the significance of the motorcycle they are building in the context of competitive racing. Jason Bowers, the class’s CTE teacher, expressed the profound impact this project has had on the students, stating, "Now, we're starting to realize just how tough this sport is—and how much the motorcycle we're building matters to a racer's success."

Tools for Success

To support this wondrous initiative, Northern Tool + Equipment has partnered with various organizations, including Harley-Davidson, Bubba Boswell's Harley-Davidson, and DEWALT, to furnish the students with state-of-the-art tools, equipment, and safety gear. According to Frank Crowson, Chief Marketing Officer of Northern Tool + Equipment, these tools empower the next generation: "At Northern Tool, we believe in putting tools in hands and confidence in hearts. The Legends Build is more than a motorcycle—it's a demonstration of how much the trades matter."

A Legacy in the Making

This challenge is part of a broader legacy that Northern Tool + Equipment has been building, connecting youth with the trades through exciting projects alongside icons in motorsport. Last year, they collaborated with NASCAR legend Richard Petty to introduce students to the intricacies of racing and fabrication. The involvement of former NASCAR racer Kyle Petty this year further emphasizes the program's commitment to fostering new talent in the industry.

Follow the Journey

Throughout this thrilling adventure, students will document their experiences, showcasing the triumphs, trials, and camaraderie that come with building a motorcycle from the ground up. Their journey will be shared on Northern Tool's YouTube channel, inviting fans, families, and future tradespeople to witness the process from the students' perspectives.

The completed motorcycle will make its public debut at the Tennessee National Raceway on June 6th during an American Flat Track Legends exhibition race. Following the event, the custom-built motorcycle will be auctioned off, with proceeds benefiting multiple charitable causes, including the Tools for the Trades™ program, Kyle Petty's Victory Junction nonprofit, and the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.

In a world that often looks down on skilled trade professions, the Legends Build Challenge seeks to shine a spotlight on the importance of trades while inspiring a new generation to carry the torch forward. As one of the first students appointed as a build captain in the program, a female student is ready to take the lead, demonstrating the inclusive potential of the trades industry.

This initiative serves as a perfect example of how hands-on experiences and mentorship can shape futures and ignite passions in young minds, nurturing them to become the skilled workers of tomorrow.