Next Start

June 23

GRADUATE TESTIMONIALS

From NASCAR Fan to NASCAR Professional

"There's always something to keep an eye out on. The electronics of everything is getting more and more advanced, so you have to keep your head up and continue to educate yourself. "

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

When Jason Ingle was a kid living in Alabama, he'd go to the Talladega Superspeedway to watch NASCAR races. His favorite driver was Dale Earnhardt.

Today, Jason works in the NASCAR industry, as an engine dyno operator for Hendrick Motorsports in North Carolina. The Hendrick Motorsports organization fields four full-time Chevrolet teams on the NASCAR Cup Series circuit with drivers Chase Elliott, William Byron, Jimmie Johnson and Alex Bowman.24

“Growing up as a fan and now working on the team, it's made a different respect in what the guys do at the race track every day,” says Jason. “You're up at 5, 6 o'clock in the morning, and you don't leave until 7 or 8 o'clock at night. The fans don't get to see all the behind-the-scenes.”

Before his NASCAR career, Jason always enjoyed working with his hands, tearing things apart and putting things back together. He served 8 years in the Army, including a 9-month stint in Iraq.

When he moved back to the States and was looking at places to get an education, Universal Technical Institute (UTI) in Mooresville, North Carolina, provided a way for him to follow his passion for NASCAR.24 He has been with Hendrick Motorsports now for more than 12 years.

No Experience, No Problem

Jason loved racing, but he had zero experience in working with engines when he started school. He says he learned essential knowledge about parts and pieces at UTI. His education got him a foot in the door at Hendrick Motorsports, where he started sweeping floors part-time while he was in school.

Jason completed the core Automotive Technology Program at UTI Mooresville, as well as courses in the NASCAR Technician Training Program.

After graduating in 2005, Jason's career at Hendrick Motorsports evolved to tearing down cylinder heads, to moving into dyno testing, to going on the road as an engine tuner. He shares some advice for students who are in his former shoes.

“Keep your ears open, keep your eyes open, and keep your mouth shut,” Jason advises.

Always Something New to Learn in Racing

Jason says his favorite part about his job is the variety he encounters.

“Everything is different every day,” Jason says. “We don't have the same thing come through every time.”

Jason adds, “There's always something to keep an eye out on. The electronics of everything is getting more and more advanced, so you have to keep your head up and continue to educate yourself.”

Jason says the NASCAR industry is constantly evolving its technology, so the learning never stops. He and his team work on up to more than 15 engines per week, taking care of all production elements before the engines hit the race track.

Because Jason's team is the last to handle the engines before they go into a race car, the most challenging part of his job is to ensure impeccable work. Missing something means a tuner out on the track has to fix it, which takes away practice time for racers.

From watching in the stands to being such an integral part of the NASCAR world today, Jason's experience shows the growth that is possible when you pursue your love for racing.

Want to Pursue a Career in Powersports?

If you love NASCAR and racing, it's possible to work in the industry professionally. UTI Mooresville, is the exclusive educational provider for the campus. Countless NASCAR employers say they go to the campus for potential employees, because they have taken the initiative to go to school, learn in a professional setting and go after their dreams.

The NASCAR Technician Training Program is a 15-week elective program.8 Students learn about pit crews, aerodynamics, welding, fabrication and engines. Contact UTI Mooresville for information on the NASCAR program


A New Career Path Starts Here

Take 60 seconds and find out how you can get trained.

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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