PHOENIX – The UTI Foundation, in conjunction with NASCAR Angels, NASCAR’s reality TV show that gives deserving individuals a transportation fix, have selected high school senior, Matthew Kyle Butts of Clarksville, Tenn. for a $25,000 scholarship to NASCAR Technical Institute in Mooresville, NC. Butts will begin classes at NASCAR Technical Institute on June 22.
Matthew, a senior at Northwest High School, has been around cars since before he could walk. “My father has taught me everything I know, he owned a car restoration shop where he rebuilt muscle cars and hot rods,” said Butts. “My goal is to eventually own my own auto restoration and fabrication shop.” Along with volunteering as the football videographer for a high school nearby in Kentucky, Matthew has been known to fix many of the coaches’ cars.
“Matthew demonstrates the initiative and drive the automotive industry prides itself on,” said former NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion, current ABC/ESPN analyst and co-host of the NASCAR Angels television program Rusty Wallace. “This scholarship meets the need to provide qualified automotive technicians through a great program at NASCAR Technical Institute.”
UTI’s NASCAR Technical Institute and NASCAR Angels teamed up to educate viewers about the school and careers in the automotive industry. Aspiring students were asked to submit a video application for the chance to earn $25,000 toward any program at NASCAR Technical Institute. “Butt’s recommendation was impressive and his video – which featured the completely restored Camaro he bought at age 14 along with parts he fabricated on his own – was creative and enthusiastic,” said Veronica Meury, vice president and executive director of the UTI Foundation. “This scholarship will give Matthew the training and education he needs to make his dreams come true.”
About NASCAR Angels:
NASCAR Angels, NASCAR's first nationally-syndicated television show, gives deserving individuals across the country a transportation fix and encourages motorists to take better care of their vehicles. Hosted by former NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion and current ABC/ESPN broadcaster Rusty Wallace, and NASCAR.COM talent Shannon Wiseman, NASCAR Angels reaches nearly 90% of the nation's viewing audience and airs during weekends on over 200 local broadcast stations, and beginning Oct. 5, every Sunday at 8:00 am on the Hallmark Channel. Goodyear Gemini, a national automotive repair service provider, is the presenting sponsor of the show. Using the automotive products of NASCAR Performance partners, Goodyear Gemini technicians work to complete repairs on each vehicle. While performing repairs on the cars, the technicians also educate viewers on the importance of regular vehicle maintenance. Now in its third season of production, NASCAR Angels is produced in partnership by NASCAR and MagicDust Television and is distributed nationally by Litton Entertainment. In addition to Goodyear Gemini, the show's sponsor lineup includes NASCAR Technical Institute, Exide Technologies and Total Resources International. For more information, visitwww.nascar.com/auto/angels.
About UTI Foundation:
The UTI Foundation, a 501(c)(3) Arizona nonprofit, is the umbrella organization for all Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (NYSE: UTI) not-for-profit initiatives and is dedicated to raising funds to further its mission and strategic goals. The UTI Foundation supports technical education for the automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle, marine and NASCAR industries through scholarships, grants, career development and other special programs. For more information, visit www.utifoundation.net.
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