Tropical Impression Racing Team
“A Youth Outreach Program”
Official Team Representing the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office
Sponsorship 2018-2019
OUR TEAM IS DEDICATED TO THE EDUCATION AND WELFARE OF OUR YOUTH
“Saving Lives Is Our Goal”
PROUD MEMBER – BEAT THE HEAT, INC SINCE 1997
FUNDED BY DONATIONS AND DEDICATION ONLY!
Tropical Impression Racing Team is extremely proud of our continued and recognized affiliation with Beat the Heat, Inc. BTH is a unique, non-profit organization of Firefighters and Law Enforcement Officers from throughout the world. The program uses Drag Racing vehicles set up like pursuit vehicles. The vehicles are used to educate our youth about a number of areas of concern such as Illegal Street Racing, Drug Abuse, Drinking and Driving, Staying in School and the problem of the day, Texting and Driving. The program also places a focus on the concept of teamwork. Since our first event in 1998, we have been involved in 565 events through 2018.
The vehicles serve as excellent tools helping in knocking down those walls that on many occasions exist between youth and persons of all ages and law enforcement officers.
The vehicles are also used to help at-risk, less fortunate and handicapped youth and young adults. These special folks are treated as honorary team members at many of our events worldwide. Beat the Heat events range from school programs to parades, from church bazaars to fundraisers, from scouting events to major motorsports events. Beat the Heat teams regularly participate in fund raising events for various organizations such as the Ronald McDonald House and local events for those in need.
Street Racing is Not Drag Racing
The History of Beat the Heat, Inc
Beat the Heat began in 1984 in Florida and by 1995 had grown to 40 programs around the country. The program was started to address the issues of Illegal Street racing in Florida. Ironically, the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) began out of the same roots in the early 1950s. After World War II the concept of hot rodding began around the country. With this, the issue of street racing began to grow. A Pomona, Ca. Police Sgt. Bud Coon saw a need to address this growing problem, and he helped facilitate the first organized drag race. This got the attention of Mr. Wally Parks, and the NHRA began. The NHRA is now the largest motorsports sanctioning body in the world.
By 1992 BTH had become so successful that the IRS recognized the organization as a non-profit youth education program and we were given a 501(c)(3) status. Therefore, all contributions of monies, parts, products, and services are completely tax deductible.
BTH has grown to an average of 200 teams throughout the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, United Kingdom, and Australia. Worldwide the teams conduct on average of 700 events annually. The teams come in direct contact with several million kids and travel hundreds of thousands of miles to conduct the events.
ALL AT NO COST TO THE TAXPAYER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ALL FUNDED BY DONATIONS AND DEDICATED ONLY!!!!!!!!!
The Goals of Beat the Heat, Inc.
- To Educate our communities about the issues of illegal drugs and alcohol abuse
- To Educate our communities to the horrors of alcohol and drug-impaired driving
- To Promote better relations between Law Enforcement and the Community
- To Educate our communities about the family sport of Drag Racing
- To Educate our communities about the dangers of Illegal Street Racing
- To Educate our communities about the dangers of Texting and Driving
Funded by Donations and Dedication Only!
The History of Tropical Impression Racing Team
Our car is a 1981 Pontiac Trans Am. The car was originally seized from a drug dealer and was used as a D.A.R.E car for several years by the Galveston Police Department. After several years of disrepair, the car was destined for the scrap yard. In 1997 the concept of starting a BTH team to represent the Sheriff’s Office was in place and was approved by Sheriff Joe Max Taylor.
We arranged for the car to be donated to the County of Galveston and it was then donated to Tropical Impression Race Team. Thus, relieving the county of any responsibility and liability.
With the help of friends and local businesses, we began rebuilding the car. It took nine months to have it ready for show and go. The vehicle was originally built with about 90% used and donated parts. In April of 1998, the car was revealed, and the program was kicked off. Tremendous thanks to Tony Munoz for his help then and today! He is the best Crew Chief you could have.
The car has been a continuous work in progress with major improvements done through the years. Thus, allowing it to maintain a positive and professional image for the program and our sponsors. All done with donations and hard work.
In 1998 the team just started, and we did six events. However, that pace did not last long. In 1999 we did 35 events. From 1998 thru 2018 the team has been involved in 565 community events.
Our programs have varied from a small Scout troop event to events with over 140,000 in attendance. All of which we take a hands-on approach to our visitors.
Our team has also been very active in a number of charities resulting in the donations of tens of thousands of dollars to those programs. Our primary charities are the Ronald Mc Donald House of Galveston and the Children’s Advocacy Center of Galveston County.
Some examples of this are our Klunkers for Kids program for the Advocacy Center and our “If You Use It – They Need It” for the Ronald McDonald House. Through these two programs, our team has donated thousands of dollars to both of these worthy causes.
We are also proud of our media history. Our team has been featured in Drag Racing USA magazine; National Dragster Magazine; Several newspapers throughout the state including the Galveston County Daily News; ESPN TV; Pinks All Out on the Speed Channel; Texas County and District Retirement System magazine, Intl. Association of Auto Theft Investigators publication, Texas Association of Vehicle Theft Investigators Coast Magazine and numerous other publications.
All funding received through donations is used for the maintenance of the car, trailer and the purchase of promotional and educational materials. A majority of expenses are paid by the team members. The rules of Beat the Heat specify that donations must have a minimum value of $500 to be displayed on the cars. However, all donations are tax deductible!!!
Don’t Drive Intexticated – Texting And Driving Kills!!!
Help Us Help Kids!
JOIN A WINNING TEAM
CONTACT INFO
Lt. Tommy Hansen
Galveston County Sheriff’s Office
601 54th St., Galveston, Texas 77551
Phone – 409-789-3969 or 409-682-0487
Fax – 409-765-3255
Email Addresses: tommy.hansen@co.galveston.tx.us or tiracing1@aol.com
https://www.beattheheatinc.org/ (National site)
Follow us on Facebook!
facebook.com/tropicalimpressionracing/
Make all checks payable to Beat the Heat