From MIS to Ohio Technical College...ASA Educational Series Pays Off for Pat Richgels
By John Wells

OREGON, WI (Friday, January 22, 2010) - For the past two seasons, Pat Richgels of Middleton, Wisconsin, has participated weekly in the Roto Rooter Bandit division at Madison International Speedway, an ASA Member Track.  While he was driving his four cylinder car around the "Ring of Fire" quarter-mile, he was also participating in the ASA Educational Series.

The ASA Educational Series awards high school students who race or work on race teams at MIS scholarships to the country's premier automotive technology school, Ohio Technical College in Cleveland, Ohio.  In each of the past two seasons over $200,000 in scholarships have been awarded to students at Madison.  In fact, the number of participants doubled in 2009 with nearly forty young people taking part in the program.

"This is a great program for high school kids.  They can get involved in racing by either driving or working on a crew.  It's a good way to get young people interested in our sport," said MIS General Manager Dave Grueneberg.

Richgels has won back to back scholarships and is taking advantage of the great opportunities available at Ohio Technical College.  "It's been a great experience.  This is a super set up for an automotive tech school.  There is plenty of space for all the cars and students and you have plenty of room to work," said Richgels.  "The technology is incredible!"

There are many programs available at Ohio Technical College.  "I am in the complete automotive program which is basically everything that has to do with non-diesel cars and trucks," said Richgels.  "Another cool thing is you only have to take one class every six weeks so you don't have to worry about giving more attention to one class over the others.  The way the classes are broken up is really nice too.  They break them up into classes like brakes, electrical, engine repair, transmission, suspension, and others."

So what does Richgels enjoy most about Ohio Technical College.  "I really like how in-depth the classes are here.  In electrical class we went all the way down to how electricity works and in brakes how they make the different pads, rotors, drums and shoes.  Personally, I think this will really help me in the future because if you understand all of the components it will be easier to find why things may have broken down and how you can ensure the customer won't have the same problem again."

In addition to a great facility, Richgels can't say enough about the quality of his instructors.  "They are very helpful.  They really stress that attention to detail on any job, no matter how big or small, is really important.  And if you're not sure about something don't be afraid to ask.  If you have anything on your mind whether school-related or outside of school, they are always more than willing to take the time to talk to you and sort things out."

"I would highly recommend Ohio Tech to anyone who wants a career in automotive technology.  It has been a very positive experience and I couldn't have asked for more.  I am happy that I participated in the ASA Educational Series program at MIS.  It was a great deal all around."

After he completes his education at Ohio Technical College, Richgels is planning to return to the Madison area to work with his uncle at Holmquest Motors in Verona. He's also planning to make a big change in his racing program as he is moving up the highly competitive late model division at MIS in 2010.  "As of right now we are planning on running a late model as often as we can.  I'm hoping to make a bid for rookie of the year and hopefully make the feature."

Track officials at MIS are very excited about having the ASA Educational Series back in 2010. "This is a great program for high school kids.  They can get involved in racing by either driving or working on a crew.  It's a good way to get young people interested in our sport," said MIS General Manager Dave Grueneberg.  "All a high school student needs to do is work with a team at least one night a week in the shop and work or race at the track on Friday nights.  We are very fortunate that so many of our teams want to participate in this program and get these kids interested in the sport."

In August, 2009, ASA Educational Series Director Larry Pond,along with Pete Raskovic a founder of the program and Randy Dziadowicz of Ohio Technical College, handed out $250,000 in Ohio Technical College scholarship credits to 30 students at Madison International Speedway in its pilot program of the series.  

In 2010, the ASA Educational Series will expand and be available to all ASA Member Tracks. The ASA Educational Series co-sponsor has committed up to $100,000 per year to each ASA Educational Series track.  "We are currently in contact with our Member Tracks and working with them to expand it to their track this season," Pond said.  "We expect up to 20 additional tracks in 2010.  We already have commitments from Orange Show Speedway in San Bernardino, CA, Tucson Raceway Park in Tucson, AZ, and Dillon Motor Speedway in Dillon, SC.  We are actively working to include more tracks at this time."

"We are very excited about the ASA Educational Series an our partnership with Ohio Technical College," Dennis Huth, ASA President said.  "This program will create a great opportunity for our ASA Member Tracks.  This is good for the community near their tracks, it refocuses the importance of family involvement, and it reacquaints the kids into motorsports which creates the awareness for the generation I feel we lost in racing.  The best part is the education we receive from our partner Ohio Technical College."

For students and tracks that would like more information on the ASA Educational Series program, please contact Director Larry Pond at e-mail: LPond@asaeducationalseries.com or phone 480-861-8108.

Madison International Speedway is located two miles east of Oregon, Wisconsin, just south of Highway 138 on Sunrise Road. Or visit their website at www.madisoninternationalspeedway.com.

To learn more about Ohio Technical College go to their website at www.ohiotechnicalcollege.com.  

To learn more of the Daytona Beach, Fla.-based American Speed Association call (386) 258-2221 or send an e-mail to info@asa-racing.com. For news and information from all the racetracks and regional tours involved in the ASA, visit www.ASA-Racing.com.
 
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