ADA, OK - (May 3, 2024) The PTC Automotive competitive Hot Rodders of Tomorrow team qualified for nationals earlier this year at an event in North Richland Hills, Texas with our Senior team taking 1st and our Junior team taking 3rd place. On May 3rd, the two teams participated in another regional competition in Tulsa, and got to witness a group of students they’ve been mentoring for months experience success as well. The new team, a group of five 8th grade students from Latta Middle School, qualified for Nationals competition in Las Vegas this Fall; the first team of 8th graders to ever do so!
Over the last few months, the team of 8th Graders, sponsored by their coach, Marty Duncan, dedicated themselves to practicing the engine tear down and rebuilding skills required for the competition. “I’m particularly proud of my Senior team members for mentoring these younger students in our shop here at PTC,” said Nathan Dial, PTC Automotive Instructor. “They really stepped up and showed a level of leadership that will no-doubt impact these 8th graders for years to come,” he continued.
PTC Seniors, Elmer Garcia, Kati Jennings, James Tschiersch, Felipe Martinez and Ayden Christian mentored the students in after school practice sessions. They showed them the ropes and got them up to speed on all the nuances of the competition. The result? With a time of 29:04 + a 1 minute penalty, their final time of 30:04 was well under the 33 minute requirement to qualify for Nationals.
“They’ll be headed to Las Vegas with us in the Fall,” said Dial. “They’ll be one of the only freshman level teams and can expect stiff competition from 30 of the best teams in the nation, so even getting a slot at the event is pretty impressive!”
Referring to the partnership, PTC Superintendent, Travis Graham said, “We’re always partnering with our schools in a variety of ways - from events on campus and summer camps, to support in training/upskilling both students and staff, and a variety of hands-on opportunities. This event and partnership exemplifies our commitment to all students in our district and I couldn’t be more proud of our students, instructors, and those who are involved every single day with shaping our student’s futures!"