Statistics show on average, every 12 seconds in America, someone is killed in a car crash. One driving pro says street racing is a major cause, so he's helping young drivers make better choices behind the wheel.

He goes by cowboy, though you'll usually find him in a car seat, not a saddle. As a teen, the cowboy developed a need for speed.

"I was hell on wheels. I nearly killed a lot of people, I lied to my parents, I cost them money, wrecked cars, insurance and I feel sad about that now," he said.

Now a legitimate drag racing team member, Cowboy's giving back to the community and trying to put a stop to street racing.

"Too many teenagers die here all the time and street racing is happening every single night," he said.

Cowboy wants young people to take racing from the street to the strip; where it's acceptable.

"When you street race, that's exactly what you are. You're a selfish show off and a sissy. I will make them into a true champion," he said.

So he's running a four-week long drag school and trying to rope in about ten students, including 20-year-old Joshua Wright of Etters.

"When somebody's beside you, egging you on, you're tempted and it takes one time to screw up, lose a license, hurt somebody, go to jail," said Cowboy.

The program teaches students about safe racing skills on the track, defensive and positive driving habits on the road, as well as respect for life. Wright is ready to go.

"I've seen a lot of street racing. I've been in a few myself and it's not really safe, I understand that so it would be better to go to the strip anyway," said Wright.

The school is free thanks to Cowboy's donations and corporate sponsors. Classes start Thursday in York County. The school will continue accepting applications this week.

For more information, call (717) 576-8309 or email Streettostrip@aol.com.