March 11, 2015 - Arizona high school students showcase skills as pit crew teams at Universal Technical Institute Challenge
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High school senior and Dobson High School automotive team captain, Taylor Maciejewski schools Newschannel 3 reporter, Ryan O’Donnell, in the race pit |
How much time does it take to change a tire? How about all four?
Teams from local high schools found out through a Pit Crew Challenge on Feb. 27 at Bondurant Raceway in Chandler, Ariz., sponsored by Universal Technical Institute’s Avondale campus. The high school automotive program teams rotated tires, changed spark plugs and wires, replaced fuel filters and suited up a driver.
Universal Technical Institute’s Avondale campus sponsored the competition, provided the judges and entertainment as well as trophies and prizes for the winning teams. The first place team took home a tool box and tools worth $6,000 for their high school auto shop lab. Fifteen teams from around the state competed.
"This is huge, it's great exposure for the students to get out and see what it's like to work in the industry," said Chad Ogle with Universal Technical Institute. “The transportation industry is growing fast and, with the right training, these kids could go on to rewarding careers as service technicians or even on a real pit crew."
A local news reporter couldn’t help springing into action, either! Ryan O’Donnell, with Newschannel 3, decided to try his hand at the tasks by challenging Taylor Maciejewski, a high school senior from Mesa. She’s also the captain of the Dobson High School automotive team. Maciejewski defeated O’Donnell soundly, racing to remove and replace the sparkplug wires on an engine.
"People really don't expect me to do it. Oh yeah, I can change your oil or I can change your tire. If I see someone on the side of the road and get out and try to help, their first impression is ‘you're so tiny.’ I say I got it, I got it, I can help you out," said Maciejewski.
The winning teams and times were:
First Place: 3 minutes 22 seconds, Marana High School, Marana Unified School District
Second Place: 4 minutes 7 seconds, Dobson High School, Mesa Public School District
Third Place: 4 minutes 25 seconds, Mountain High School, Mesa Public School District
