Next Start

June 23

GRADUATE TESTIMONIALS

Madison Conrad Is Living Her Dream After Universal Technical Institute

"The checkered flags on the wall… it still takes my breath away to be part of something that’s so big."

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

Madison Conrad is no stranger to racing. Her grandfather raced. Her father raced. She played pretend with the tools when she was little. Then when she was old enough, she raced too. Madison fell in love with cars.

“Being a driver, I knew I could provide really good information to a team. I could be a valuable asset,” so she looked into it. When a Universal Technical Institute representative came to Madison’s high school, it solidified her decision: she’d make a career of it. After graduation, she packed up her life and moved across the country — from Albuquerque, New Mexico to Mooresville, North Carolina, where she enrolled in automotive training.

Universal Technical Institute (UTI) is the exclusive educational provider for NASCAR.24Madison may have been far from home but it didn’t take her long to dive into the racing culture head first. UTI Mooresville's core curriculum gave her more formal training on taking measurements and understanding theories. The NASCAR-specific classes were an added bonus.

She took advantage of every moment of training and encourages other students is to do the same. “Don’t dismiss any opportunity because you never know where it might lead you or where you’ll end up,” she says.

She recalls instructors who made a big impact on her, each with different experiences and different backgrounds and different perspectives. She mentions Mr. Wolf, the spec engine teacher, by name. “He would tell us stories about his mistakes and what we should avoid or look out for.”

Toward the end of her training, she started working at the school. She received the Roger Penske Outstanding Student Award and took an internship working in the parts department at Roush Yates. When she graduated, Roush offered her a full-time position.1

Madison glows as she speaks about her duties there. “It’s absolutely incredible,” she says. “The checkered flags on the wall… it still takes my breath away to be part of something that’s so big.” She reflects on the life she dreamt up as young girl and is in awe of the fact that she’s living it now.

As a female, breaking into and working in the largely male-dominated industry is no easy feat but she takes it in stride, handling tires and impact drivers with ease. For the most part she feels others see her as a coworker and a respected asset to the team, not just “the girl.”

Madison wants to be a track side engine tuner for a premier series team someday. “I’ve started going to the track already and shadowing an engine tuner.” She wants to work her way up to a car chief or crew chief position.

Madison’s mom expressed slight hesitation when Madison told her she was headed to trade school. It wasn’t dismissive or not supportive, but her mom didn’t know if it would be a good career for her; maybe a four-year university would be better. Now that Madison has graduated and is working full time, both Madison and her parents think it’s a wonderful career. People are making a living doing something they love. Not too many people can say that.


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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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