Auto Mechanics at MPJHS
Part of 21st Century After School Program
For the 3rd consecutive year, Mount
Pleasant Junior High School will feature a drag racing and Auto
Mechanics class for the 2008-2009 school year. The course is
conducted through the 21st Century program after school from Monday
to Thursday afternoons. The program runs from 3:45-4:45 p.m.
The first hour of this program will consist
of academic tutorial time. The second hour of the program will
consist of basic auto mechanics instruction, plus the students
learning about NHRA and IHRA drag racing classes and
regulations.
MPJHS History teacher Micheal Hall's
dragster will serve as the project car for the class. The students
will actually take the car apart, provide maintenance service and
help prepare the car for the next racing season.
As a reward for academic performance,
students will also attend national and regional drag races. The
most proficient auto mechanics students will be on Mr. Hall's pit
crew and help him run the car at regional and local events.
The racing goal for the "Flying Tigers"
team is to put the supercharged motor back in the car, update the
chassis and run with the Texas Outlaw Fuel Altered Groups next
spring.
The best 1/8-mile time for the -47 Fiat has
been 5.31 at 127 mph in Houston in 2005.
The best 1/4-mile pass for the car was in Denver this summer at
Bandimere Speedway with a 7.85 at 172 mph. Best 8th mile run…5.31
at 1127 mph. Best 1/4-mile pass was 7.85 at 172 in Denver, at
Bandimere Speedway, this June.
Hall is currently seeking sponsors to help
defray the cost of the program.
