This content was published: November 19, 2009. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
Auto service technology students disable cars in PIR endurance race
Photos and story by James Hill
Last month, Automotive Service Technology program students, faculty and friends took part in the ChumpCar World Series race at Portland International Raceway. The event, a new kind of road racing endurance series, featured a team of students who filled 20 seven-hour shifts as the wrecking crew. They temporarily disabled cars – none of them having values of more than $500 – of drivers that had been penalized for an on-track driving offense. After PCC students removed various parts, team drivers of the penalized cars were required to reassemble it and have the cars re-inspected for safety before the cars could return to competition.
The purpose of the event was to teach students about automobile service technology, mechanical skill and the means to make an average car with 100,000 miles survive the rigors of a 24-hour endurance race.
“Students met automotive experts and participated in a well organized, professionally-run world class racing event with an emphasis on team work and giving back to the local community,” said Bart Ouchida, event coordinator and Automotive Service Technology instructor.
The program received a donation of $1,350 by John Condren, president of the ChumpCar World Series, for its participation. For more information about the ChumpCar World Series and schedule, visit: www.chumpcar.com.
About James Hill
James G. Hill, an award-winning journalist and public relations writer, is the Director of Public Relations at Portland Community College. A graduate of Portland State University, James has worked as a section editor for the Newberg Graphic... more »