Minnesota High School Students Reveal Rat Rod Karts to Motorsports Legends Richard Petty and Billy Lane

The year-long project is part of national retailer and manufacturer Northern Tool + Equipment's Tools for the Trades™ program 

BURNSVILLE, Minn., July 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Two Minnesota high schools, Minneapolis Public Schools and Lakeville North High School, revealed the rat rod karts they built from scratch to their celebrity mentors: NASCAR Legend Richard Petty and celebrity motorcycle builder Billy Lane.

Students spent the year building karts in class as part of Northern Tool + Equipment's Tools for the Trades™ program, designed to provide high school career and technical education programs with professional-grade tools and equipment to properly teach the trades and expose students to experiences in these industries. 

"We learned a lot about metal bodywork and how to use professional-grade tools we'd use on a job site," said Dylan Stoler, a Lakeville North High School student.

Watch our final recap to see the completed karts and learn more about the lasting impact Tools for the Trades™ is having on students.  

"Through the build, I learned working in the trades is something to be proud of. Making this kart using hands-on skills felt like a real job," said Luis Torres, a student from Minneapolis Public Schools.

Since 2021, Tools for the Trades™ has donated to more than 30 schools. To continue igniting a passion for the trades with the next generation, please consider offering your financial support. Donations by check can be directed to:

The Northern Tool Foundation/Tools for the Trades
Attn: Accounts Receivable
2800 Southcross Drive West
Burnsville MN 55306

About Northern Tool + Equipment:
Northern Tool + Equipment is a family-owned company serving both DIYers and trades professionals tackling the tough projects. A leading supplier of more than 100,000 high-quality tools and equipment for over 40 years, the company's highly-trained team has an immense breadth of knowledge to help customers in-person at 140 retail stores, online and over the phone through their fully-staffed contact center. From helping customers get the right tool for the job to assisting with parts and repairs that keep tools running at peak performance, customer service is at the foundation of Northern Tool's mission. Learn more about Northern Tool + Equipment at NorthernTool.com and stay connected through social media: Facebook (@northerntool), Instagram (@northern_tool), TikTok (@northerntool), X (Twitter) (@northerntool), YouTube and Pinterest.

Media Contact: Holly Steffl
Phone Number: 612.351.8312
Email: [email protected] 
Website: northerntool.com

SOURCE Northern Tool + Equipment