John Dodson with Nascar Technical Institute

[Beverly]

What a great conversation I had with John. Being born into a racing family give him an insiders view on the industry. John is very excited about what NTI has to offer. He gives advice on what to expect when you decide on a career in racing.

[Guest]

John: Please tell us about your experince with the Pettys. Whatswas it like working with Maurice? It must have been a lot of fun.

[John Dodson]

John: Please tell us about your experince with the Pettys. Whatswas it like working with Maurice? It must have been a lot of fun.

This is a great question, and I'm glad that you asked. I have so much respect for this man. I will never forget the day that he called me about a position at Petty Enterprises. I was 18 years old, and I relished the opportunity to work for Maurice. He was very focused with his work, and he expected the same from his team. He was stricken with Polio as a child , and it caused him to walk with a pretty nasty limp. He never complained or made excuses. In fact it was never discussed. He worked harder than anyone, and I think it made a big impact on me. He was very stern about work, but also very fair. If you messed up, he let you know it, but that was the end of it. I will never forget the experience of working with him, and being his friend. In October 2003 he was inducted into the North Carolina Auto Racing Hall Of Fame. I was so proud to be there for the induction. During his acceptance speech he stated that (quote) " I had a job to do, so I went out and did it".
He did it behind the scenes. He took a back seat to Richard, and he stayed in the trenches, where the work was done. He made a tremendous impact on my life.

[Guest]

Im not sure whether i can still get a response or not as this is a rather old thread, but i figure i'll go ahead and ask.

I am in highschool, soon to start my senior year, and am currently considering attending NTI next fall (the other choice being a university and taking a mechanical engineering program). I am very passionate about stock car racing and am currently trying to figure out the "right path to get there".

Here's my question.. I've noticed recently that more and more drivers and crew members seem to have college degrees. Is this a trend that is projected to continue, and do you feel it will become an increasingly important factor in selecting drivers/crew members? If so, will attending a school like NTI be seen as 'sufficient' training to get a shot? Also, im noticing that drivers are starting Busch and Cup at a younger age - so is a five or six year program (say mechanical engineering) that would require full time attendance in effect put you out of the running? I guess it could come down to whether its better to start low, get a foot in the door and meet the right people; or try to get placed based on having a higher education to speak for your talent?

Any opionions on this topic would be greatly appreciated!

[Beverly]

You make a very good point concerning education. It is my personal opinion that everyone should get at least a 2 year degree. My reason is to be able to move between careers if the opportunity arises.

I believe as far as the auto racing industry, you will do as well with experience as with education. This is not to say an education will not give you a leg up, it probably will in certain circumstances. But in this business, especially if you are a chassis or engine builder, etc. it's going to be about knowledge,regardless of where it came from, and being at the right place at the right time.

Thanks for posting!

Beverly