Photo courtesy of Gisborne Herald

EIT Tairawhiti automotive students had the chance to completely rebuild a stock car and then see it win on the track.

And so impressed with their efforts were other local stockcar drivers, that several have already offered cars for next year’s students.

Automotive tutor Phil Maule, himself a speedway enthusiast, says the pilot scheme was a huge success for all involved.  Three students were involved in stripping down Jason Jones’ stock car, replacing front and rear bumpers before the car was whisked away for a new paint job.

On its return, the level two automotive certificate students then had to reassemble the vehicle with all the refurbished brakes, steering and suspension.

“We wanted to introduce something that would capture the imagination of our students,” says Phil.

“It’s great for students to do projects like this as they can include many parts of the course through the work they do and then get the satisfaction of seeing it performing successfully on the track.”

Jason Jones drove car 81g to victory in the stock car classic at an early December meet.

“Those students will no doubt be at most meetings this season, watching ‘their’ stock car win.”