Northern Tool Brings High School Trades Training to Prime-Time Television
Key Highlights
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Shows how CTE programs replicate real job-site pressure, timelines, and teamwork
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Reinforces the value of professional-grade tools and industry mentorship in trades education
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Connects skilled trades training directly to motorsports, fabrication, and manufacturing careers
LA VERGNE, TN — Northern Tool + Equipment announced a partnership with RACER Network to launch a new television series focused on high school career and technical education (CTE) students and the hands-on trades training preparing them for real-world work.
The four-episode series follows juniors and seniors in the CTE program at La Vergne High School as they take on Northern Tool’s Legends Challenge: Student Build. The project tasks students with transforming a Harley-Davidson Nightster into an XR750-inspired flat-track racer while working under a compressed, professional-style timeline and receiving direct mentorship from experienced racers and builders.
Unlike classroom-only instruction, the build mirrors the pressure, planning, and teamwork required on actual job sites. Students must manage deadlines, problem-solve fabrication challenges, and apply technical skills in a shop environment that reflects industry expectations.
“The work these students are doing belongs on the big screen,” said Frank Crowson, Chief Marketing Officer at Northern Tool + Equipment. “RACER Network fans—and motorsports diehards everywhere—are going to see real talent, determination and teamwork on display. This is a serious challenge; even seasoned pros would be pushed to finish a build like this in just 174 days.”
Real-World Tools and Mentorship for Future Tradespeople
The series underscores Northern Tool’s broader effort to support skilled trades education by putting professional-grade tools directly into high school CTE programs and pairing students with industry mentors. The goal is to expose students early to the expectations, standards, and pace of professional trades work.
Northern Tool’s CTE investments have already reached more than 30 schools nationwide. Previous student builds have included the Monster Jam® Mini Build and the Rat Rod Kart Build Off, each designed to simulate real production challenges while reinforcing teamwork, safety, and craftsmanship.
“We greenlit the Northern Tool Legends Build because the students at La Vergne High School —and the skilled trades they’re learning—are the future of motorsports. The craft, the grit, the teamwork — that’s the story RACER Network tells best. We’re proud to add Northern’s Legends Build to our new show lineup next fall, and we’re already eyeing Northern’s Build 4,” explained Scott McLemore, RACER Network Vice President of Programming.
Industry Legends Bring Trade Skills to Life
Students are supported throughout the project by experienced professionals, including flat track racing legend Chris Carr, who was present when the class learned their work would be featured on television.
“As a seven-time grand national champion, it’s fun to see the high school students learning the trades while impacting Flat Track racing.”
The series is expected to air in 2026. Viewers can follow progress updates from the school’s shop by subscribing to Northern Tool’s YouTube channel and following the company on social media, where students will share behind-the-scenes content from the build.
To learn more about Northern Tool, visit www.northerntool.com.
To learn more about Racer Studio, visit racerstudio.com.