From Philly Streets to NHRA Champion, Gadson Gives Back

NHRA Champion Gadson Gives BackIcon Sportswire - Getty Images

Growing up in Philadelphia without a father and having an older brother who was in-and-out of jail, Richard Gadson admits it would have been easy for him to pursue a criminal life had it not been for the Big Brothers Big Sisters program that set him on the right path.

“I didn’t succumb to the streets of Philly (because of the program),” Gadson said. “My horizons were broadened. My mind was opened.”

Today, the 2025 Mission Foods Drag Racing Series Pro Stock Motorcycle champion is giving back to the program that played such an instrumental role in his life. Gadson is once again providing behind-the-scenes access to professional drag racing for young people in the program, reinforcing the importance of mentorship and perseverance.

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The third year of the program kicked off at the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway in Concord, North Carolina, with a group from the Central Carolina Big Brothers Big Sisters organization. The five other races this year where Gadson will have the program are Chicago, Indianapolis, St. Louis, Dallas and Las Vegas.

“At first, I wanted to talk to the kids. Now, I want to encourage people (to participate in the) mentorship program,” said Gadson, who was honored last year by the Big Brothers Big Sisters Philadelphia chapter with the Little Achievement Award. “You can change the odds of one of these kids, (give them) a chance of success. We’re trying to motivate these children.”

Other NHRA competitors who have joined Gadson in his initiative are NHRA Funny Car driver Daniel Wilkerson, Top Fuel competitor Jasmin Salinas and fellow Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Jianna Evaristo.

Gadson, a third-generation racer, points to the Big Brothers Big Sisters Philadelphia chapter as instrumental in his success—personal and professional.