Automotive Students to Pop Hoods and Vie for State Auto Repair Championship
--WHAT: The Southland's finest high school auto technology students will square off to diagnose and repair identically bugged Ford Crown Victorias at the 2004 Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills Competition at Irwindale Speedway, Friday, May 7. (Northern California has an identical contest the same day.) Highest scoring team will be named state champion representing California in the national finals at Ford's World Headquarters in Dearborn, Mich., on June 29. At the national event, students will compete for $5 million in scholarships. The contest is an outreach program to encourage students to pursue automotive careers. WHY: Automotive technicians are among the most sought-after and highly-paid professionals in today's job market, but many high schools reduced or eliminated automotive programs due to lack of funds or teachers. Demand for qualified technicians to work on today's sophisticated vehicles exceeds supply by about 60,000 annually, with salaries ranging from $30,000-$100,000 a year. WHEN: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Friday, May 7. Awards presentation at 1 p.m. WHERE: Irwindale Speedway, Irwindale (605 Freeway at Live Oak Avenue). WHO: Students, including twins from Sultana High, and AAA Auto Specialists serving as judges. High School City Bishop Bishop Jurupa Valley Mira Loma Lone Pine Lone Pine Paso Robles Paso Robles Poway Poway Ramona Team A Ramona Ramona Team B Ramona San Clemente San Clemente San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo Sultana Hesperia