For Brighton High School’s Automotive teacher, Mr. Robert Delaney, having the chance to spend a day in the sun—hearing the roaring sound of the race track and smelling the fuel-heavy scent of the surrounding air—is the greatest of rewards.
The Milan Dragway Battle of the Schools, hosted by Washtenaw Community College, is just that.
It’s an opportunity for high school and college automotive instructors to give local students a chance to represent their school by racing a variety of race cars, bikes and electric vehicles. It is an exciting event for BHS automotive students.
According to Delaney, “It’s just a wonderful time.”
On Oct. 11, 2025, Delaney and his automotive students arrived at the track, ready to race their 2016 Ford Mustang.
In preparation for the race, the department worked very hard on the car, donated by Ford Motor Company, accessorizing it with drag radios, among other things.
“We went over the car with a fine-tooth comb to make sure that the car was safe,” Delaney said. “That means nuts and bolts on suspension, system and brakes, and all those things.”
On the day of, after overcoming an excessively long line and finally unloading the sparkling-fresh Ford Mustang onto the track, they were nearly ready. Only a few trials away from beginning the race—
The axle snapped.
“The car was dead on arrival,” Delaney said.
However, this tragic event was no discouragement for the BHS auto department; rather, it was an opportunity to work not only as one team but also to lend a helping hand to the surrounding teams.
Mr. Delaney explained that “it was just a day of helping other people out, other teams out, and watching Lowen Bott drag race his Volvo, and it was super fun.”
Junior Lowen Bott, one of Mr. Delaney’s automotive students, “actually made it to the second round of eliminations, and he ended up beating himself. Ended up red-lighting, and he left the line too fast and beat himself,” Delaney said.
Nevertheless, Delaney couldn’t be prouder of the day spent racing with his students.
“Anytime I can get a group of my students or motorsport students down there to their down to the racetrack, it’s super, it’s a super fun day. It’s super rewarding,” he said, “especially if I’ve got students actually drag racing their own vehicles, you can tell they just really enjoy it.
“I’m just super proud to be part of supporting all that.”
