LANCASTER, Calif. — Countless hours, engine revs, and bottles of oil go into this Purple Chevrolet Nova, but the people behind all the work might surprise you.
Desert Winds High School takes hands on learning to a whole new level with their competitive racing team. Students work together to get this car competition ready.
“The power valve got messed up so we have to change it tomorrow. We changed the oil pan yesterday or the day before yesterday and we put the dry shaft on today,” said twelfth-grade student, Luis Avila.
The program has been in place since 1993. Dave Otis, the school’s veteran automotive instructor, hopes that by joining this team, teens learn valuable trade skills that could help them find jobs in the future.
“Really I think my favorite part is being out somewhere and hearing someone call my name and look over and see a former student and see them successful doing something out in the industry,” said Otis.
The team enters the car in eight National Hot Rod Association competitions each year. Out of about 70 cars, the team came in 24 last season which was a proud accomplishment because they beat out many semi-professional teams. Former students become certified and drive the car, but the teens who work on it get to see their hard work pay off.
Briana Silva already knows her favorite part.
“Just seeing it go and hearing the roars of the car and for it to go fast,” said Silva.
The team is raising money for their next racing season that begins in February. You can find out more info if you visit funpastafundraising.com and search Desert Winds Race Car Team.
People can catch the Desert Winds Racing team and this car this Saturday at the Lancaster Christmas Parade.