At a Glance
The Collision Repair instructor at North Montco Career and Technical Center (NMTCC) established a partnership with local company Rubright Racing Enterprises to build a street legal drag car.
Overview
Through a partnership between NMTCC and Rubright Racing Enterprises, students in the Collision Repair program had the opportunity to build a customized car. The project was initiated at the request of former professional wrestler Brett Big Schwag Wagner, actor and voice of the television show Monster Garage. He approached North Montco students at the 2014 Northeast Rod and Custom Car Show to ask questions about the trophies they had created for the show out of spare auto parts. Out of that conversation, he requested that they build a car for him.
Local business owner Mark Rubright donated a 1990 Ford Mustang to the project. In addition, he collaborated with the collision repair instructor to teach students how to do mechanical work on the car. Wagner was also involved during the building of the car, including a visit to NMTCC to check the car’s progress and to be measured for the seat. He met with auto collision students and spoke with them about future career opportunities.
The completed car was expected to be displayed at the 2015 Northeast Rod and Custom Car Show. Wagner also plans to take it with him to some of the appearances he makes.
This unique business/school relationship enables the school to enhance the curriculum for students in the Power and Transportation Cluster, especially since the project scope is far beyond the capabilities of a typical school budget. It also provides an opportunity for interested students to pursue alternative educational and training goals that would not be possible within the normal program of study.
Origin / Implementation
The partnership was spearheaded by the Auto Collision Repair instructor. His goal was to expose students to the many opportunities that the drag racing industry offers, including the parts aftermarket automotive industry, engine rebuilding, drag racing teams, and related marketing in the industry.
Results / Impact
The partnership encourages cooperative efforts between North Montco Technical Career Center and Rubright Racing by implementing new extended programs that are responsive to students interests and needs. The training agreement between the NMTCC and Rubright Racing outlines the following intended outcomes: offer a curriculum that maximizes the utilization of existing facilities; provide students with internal and external educational experiences to expand career pathways; ensure students have the opportunity to participate in off-site activities, including, but not limited to attending promotional events that showcase the finished product, and with proper clearances and approvals, observe the car from the racing pits; and serve as a basis for long-range planning and additional business/education joint partnerships.
Contact
North Montco Technical Career Center
Robert Hunter, Auto Collision Repair Instructor
Email: rhunter@nmtcc.org
Supporting Links
Article: North Montco students welcome former professional wrestler
Facebook: The Schwag Project