Jonah Tyner and Davis Dane are seniors at MHS and are part of the Princeton Auto Tech CTE program. Jonah and Davis recently took a test alongside 100 other students. In order to qualify, the students had to receive a variety of certificates and be top of the class. Because of their outstanding scores, the two were able to participate in the Texas Motor Speedway competition. Both boys as a team placed 6th out of the top 10 with 40 teams overall competing across North Texas. Davis also won an individual award for his knowledge over general services and repairs.

“The first day they put everyone in mixed groups from schools all around the North Texas area and we went through and did individual tests, activities, and were scored on accuracy/correct answers,” Dane said. “The second day each school worked as a team of two, using the knowledge from their assigned dealership. Jonah Tyner and I were partnered with Bob Tomes Ford and found problems and repaired the vehicle they brought for us (2022 Ford F-150 Lariat). The problems included missing air filters, a couple unplugged connectors that would turn the check engine light on, high tire pressures, taped up windshield wiper blades, and the windshield wiper fluid lines were squeezed together so fluid wouldn’t spray.”

The competition for the contestants is about focus and hard work. The win for some might be the title while for others it’s the understanding of knowledge.

“Going to the competition was a true honor,” Dane said.“Not only did it mean I am one of the top students in the Princeton Auto Tech Program, it meant that I am one of the top students in the entire North Texas area. Winning an award was not only shocking but relieving and motivating. From not knowing what I wanted to do after high school two years ago to winning an award in front of many different schools, dealerships, and representatives felt amazing.”

Dane’s opinion on the experience is clear–nothing aside from great.

“The competition was nothing short of awesome and cool,” Dane said. “Being at Texas Motor Speedway is an awesome experience to begin with, but being in the center of the track in the garages, where not only the pit crew has been, but some of the greatest racers in the world have been, was a soul shocking experience or feeling. Competing against other students around my level of knowledge and experience was challenging, competitive and fun.”