Tue, 24 Jun 2003, 01:13 PM Castrol GTX Top Techs Winner

Courtesy of Dave Densmore

MADISON, Ill. –- As part of the prize package he earned as one of the eight national winners in the Castrol GTX Top Techs program, Carl Jones of Ellery, Ill., will serve Saturday as an honorary crewman on the Castrol GTX High Mileage Ford Mustang Funny Car driven at Gateway International Raceway by John Force.

Jones, a junior at Edwards County High School, was one of more than 250 students nominated for a Top Techs award in a contest to recognize and encourage aspiring young automotive technicians. Automotive students and teachers submitted 150-word essays to support each individual nomination.

"Choosing just eight winners from hundreds of talented nominees was quite a challenge for the judges," said Tim Miranda, Engineering/OEM manager for Castrol North America, who served as one of the contest judges. "It's encouraging to know that there is a talented pool of tech-savvy students out there who will one day service our vehicles."

All eight finalists, each recognized at a different NHRA POWERade national event, are eligible for one grand prize that includes a $7,500 scholarship and a trip to the world's biggest drag race, the Labor Day Mac Tools U.S. Nationals at Indianapolis, Ind.

Jones, who plays varsity football and is active in 4-H, hopes one day to earn degree in automotive technology. His love for automobiles began at age eight when he placed fourth in a local go-kart race. He rebuilt a mini-kart engine at age 12 and at 14 purchased a 1969 Pontiac Tempest with money earned raising and showing cattle.

In addition to tickets to this week's races for himself and a guest, Jones will receive a souvenir Castrol GTX hat and T-shirt, a Mac Tools toolbox stocked with $1,000 in tools and the donation of both Castrol GTX and Castrol GTX High Mileage motor oil for use in his school's vocational automotive program.

In addition to Miranda, the judging panel for the Top Techs program included Matt King, editor-in-chief of Car Craft magazine; John Lypen, editor and publisher of Motor magazine; Darren Morris, national business development manager for Mac Tools; and Bob Weber, ASE-certified Master Automotive Technician and "Motormouth" columnist for the Chicago Tribune.