Universal Technical Institute (UTI) Foundation and NASCAR Angels Announce Winner of $25,000 Scholarship

PHOENIX January 28, 2009: The UTI Foundation, in conjunction with NASCAR Angels, NASCAR’s reality TV show that gives deserving individuals a transportation fix, have selected high school senior Matthew Kyle Butts of Clarksville, Tenn., for a $25,000 scholarship to NASCAR Technical Institute in Mooresville, N.C. Butts will begin classes at NASCAR Technical Institute on June 22.

Matthew, a senior at Northwest High School, has been around cars since before he could walk. “My father has taught me everything I know; he owned a car restoration shop where he rebuilt muscle cars and hot rods,” said Butts. “My goal is to eventually own my own auto restoration and fabrication shop.” Along with volunteering as the football videographer for a high school nearby in Kentucky, Matthew has been known to fix many of the coaches’ cars.

“Matthew demonstrates the initiative and drive the automotive industry prides itself on,” said former NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion, current ABC/ESPN analyst and co-host of the NASCAR Angels television program Rusty Wallace. “This scholarship meets the need to provide qualified automotive technicians through a great program at NASCAR Technical Institute.”

UTI’s NASCAR Technical Institute and NASCAR Angels teamed up to educate viewers about the school and careers in the automotive industry. Aspiring students were asked to submit a video application for the chance to earn $25,000 toward any program at NASCAR Technical Institute. “Butts' recommendation was impressive and his video – which featured the completely restored Camaro he bought at age 14 along with parts he fabricated on his own – was creative and enthusiastic,” said Veronica Meury, vice president and executive director of the UTI Foundation. “This scholarship will give Matthew the training and education he needs to make his dreams come true.”