LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire - June 7, 2007) -
WHO: San Luis Obispo students, Daniel Lehmkuhl, 17, and Austin Castro,
17, from San Luis Obispo High School in San Luis Obispo qualified
in May at Irwindale Speedway as California’s state champion. The
team, coached by San Luis Obispo High Industrial Tech Instructor
Jeff Lehmkuhl, also Daniel’s father, will face 49 other teams at
the 2007 Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills National Finals. The Auto
Club’s Motor Sports Manager Rick Lalor will accompany the team to
the competition in Dearborn, MI.
WHEN: Starting gun for hands-on competition 9:15 a.m. Tuesday, June 26.
“Instructed to start your engines, if you can,” 100 students clad
in red and black “pit crew” uniforms will run to their assigned
identically and intentionally “bugged” 2007 Ford Fusions in a
quest to achieve the perfectly repaired car. Each team won a berth
in the finals with the combined best scores on comprehensive
qualifying exams and hands-on competition in their respective
states.
The fastest time to detect and repair the car, then drive across
the finish line, plus the best written score determines the 2007
national champions.
WHERE: Ford World Headquarters, Dearborn, MI; One American Road, Michigan
Avenue and Southfield Freeway--Front Lawn.
NOTE: Producers and Editors: Photos and b-roll footage available upon
request.
WHY: As vehicles become more advanced, Ford and AAA have partnered to
assure that the new generation of automotive technicians is well
educated to service the public’s motoring needs. The Bureau of
Labor Statistics estimates the auto industry will have an average
of 34,000 job openings per year through 2014, based on growth and
net replacement needs. The competition’s goal is to encourage
students to continue their education and to pursue careers in the
automotive service industry.
To speak to contest officials or for more information, please
contact: Kristine Heine or Jennifer Heuer at (202) 371-9600.
Contact Information: Contact: Jeff Spring Elaine Beno 714-885-2333 San Luis Obispo High School 805-596-4040