Waubonsee Community College student Jeremy Sullivan recently received special recognition from Illinois State Representative Stephanie Kifowit for being selected to participate in the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) U.S. Nationals internship with the Randy Meyers Racing team.
At an early age, Sullivan, of Aurora, was inspired by his grandfather to learn everything about the world of automotive, including maintenance, restoration, and even professional drag racing. After graduating from West Aurora High School, Sullivan enrolled in Waubonsee’s Automotive Technology Program.
During class one day, Sullivan was encouraged to apply for the NHRA U.S. Nationals internship by his instructor, Guy Tiberio, Associate Professor of Automotive Technology. Sullivan didn’t think he had a chance, but everything changed when he received a call from a representative from “In the Pits,” informing him he was selected as a semi-final contestant. “My heart dropped,” said Sullivan. “I submitted a video on how I got into cars and why I wanted to be a part of the internship.”
A week later, Sullivan received a second call confirming he had won. “Getting the opportunity to go and work on a car that goes over 300 mph in three seconds is a dream from God.”
During the Labor Day NHRA race weekend event in September, Sullivan gained hands-on experience behind the scenes at one of the largest drag racing events globally, a feat few young technicians can tout.
Standing before an audience in the college’s Automotive Technology Lab, Illinois State Representtive Kifowit shared her admiration for the college. “I tip my hat to Waubonsee Community College for being a premier college in our area that is so connected to our community. The skills that are learned here open many doors and are transferred to many facets of life.”
She continued, “I am always impressed by the dedication and hard work of those students who go to community colleges and put in the hard work to do good in our community.”
Waubonsee Community College’s Automotive Technology Program is Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Master certified and an ASE Education Foundation accredited program. The Automotive Technology Program provides students with a strong mechanical aptitude, a sound understanding of automotive electronics, and computer controls to accurately diagnose and repair the most hard-to-find problems. Upon graduation, students will have developed high-demand skills and networked with industry partners. Visit www.waubonsee.edu/programs to learn more.
