Next Start

June 23

GRADUATE TESTIMONIALS

Harry Bookhoop Jr: From Universal Technical Institute to the Racetrack

"I say that I work for Penske and people are like – wow, that’s awesome. I don’t think about it a lot, especially getting to be a part of the Indy team, but when I do, I realize that it’s a pretty big deal."

As part of the Universal Technical Institute (UTI) family of schools, NASCAR Technical Institute (NTI) began operating under the UTI brand in April 2025.

Many people are fans of NASCAR and IndyCar racing, and envy those who get to work on a pit crew or work behind the scenes. The closest they may ever get to being a part of a race team is cheering from the stands for their favorite racers. But for others, like Harry Calhoun Bookhoop Jr., they get to live out their dreams by having a job in the racing industry.

Harry is proud to work for the esteemed company Penske Racing Inc. on the IndyCar side of their business.24 He gets to support the team both on and off the race track. At the home office he’s in charge of ordering parts – whatever they need he’s the guy that they come to. But he also gets to be a part of the action as part of the backup pit crew. Sometimes he forgets how cool this job is.

“I say that I work for Penske and people are like – wow, that’s awesome. I don’t think about it a lot, especially getting to be a part of the Indy team, but when I do, I realize that it’s a pretty big deal.”

When’s he not ordering parts and making sure that all of the nuts, bolts and other essential parts have been packed for the race cars as they head out on the haulers, he and his pit team practice. They go over the routines and rhythms to prepare themselves for when they’re at the actual races and every second matters.

“We have an indoor pit stop facility here with electric pit stop cars. All of the equipment we need is here and we just practice for five or months.”

Both sides of his job have their own important responsibilities. And so much of his work ethic goes back to his time as a student at Universal Technical Institute in Mooresville, North Carolina, where he graduated in May 2014 having studied automotive.1

“My advice for someone getting into this type of industry is to keep digging, keep your head down and work as hard as you can. Keep your professionalism and attendance up. Stay focused and do your best and you’ll be all right.”

Harry has worked hard and stayed dedicated. He has come a long way from the small town of Stilson, Georgia where he grew up. And UTI helped him find his way to where he is today. Before attending he didn’t have a lot of experience working on cars, he may have fixed some lawnmowers, but that was it. His formal education helped him build the foundation of knowledge as well as the other skills he puts into practice every day at Penske Racing. He was a race car fan first. Now he gets to be both a fan and an active part of the action. He’s a team player. He loves being there to help out whether it’s in the shop or out at the race track.

“One thing I really like about working here is that I can help people. I get to help the team succeed. And it’s really a cool deal.”

Harry didn’t get to Penske Racing by just sitting back and wishing he could work there. He made the decision to go to UTI Mooresville, which opened up this opportunity. Don’t let your own ambitions fade with indecision. Take that first important step you need to change your life.


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1) UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.2) For program outcome information and other disclosures, visit www.uti.edu/disclosures.6) UTI graduates’ achievements may vary. Individual circumstances and wages depend on personal credentials and economic factors. Work experience, industry certifications, the location of the employer and their compensation programs affect wages. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.7) Some programs may require longer than one year to complete.8) Does not include time required to complete a qualifying prerequisite program such as UTI’s 51-week Automotive Technology program.9) Does not include time required to complete a qualifying prerequisite program such as UTI’s 45-week Diesel Technology program.10) Financial aid, scholarships and grants are available to those who qualify. Awards vary due to specific conditions, criteria and state.11) See program details for eligibility requirements and conditions that may apply.14) Incentive programs and employee eligibility are at the discretion of the employer and available at select locations. Special conditions may apply. Talk to potential employers to learn more about the programs available in your area. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.15) Manufacturer-paid advanced training programs are conducted by UTI on behalf of manufacturers who determine acceptance criteria and conditions. These programs are not part of UTI’s accreditation. Programs available at select locations.18) UTI now offers all of its automotive, diesel, motorcycle and marine technician training in a blended-learning format consisting of online lecture courses along with in-person, hands-on lab training.20) VA benefits may not be available at all campus locations.21) GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website.24) UTI prepares graduates to work as entry-level automotive service technicians. Some graduates who take NASCAR-specific electives also may have job opportunities in racing-related industries. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.79) UTI aviation maintenance programs prepare graduates to apply and test for FAA mechanic certification. Graduates who don’t obtain certification may have fewer career opportunities. Some graduates get jobs in aviation or related industries other than as aviation maintenance technicians. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment, salary or FAA certification.128) UTI will pay for certain third-party FAA certification exam fees for qualifying students. See catalog for details and requirements.

Universal Technical Institute of Illinois, Inc. is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

*Registration Fee Waiver will apply to any student who enrolls by July 31, 2025, with a start date between March 31, 2025, and September 25, 2025.

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