The never wavering car enthusiasm of LTHS’ Auto Club

Written by Deviyon Fitts, Student Writer

In Auto Club, the one club that allows students to explore their inner love for cars, students can work in their favorite environment of gas and engines in the auto shop. Any student that likes to work with cars will really appreciate this club.

Auto Club is available to any student who takes the following elective classes: Intro to Auto and Vocational Auto 1 or 2. The club meets every Wednesday at 3:00 PM in the auto shop, room 105 at East campus.

In the club, students will repair vehicles, talk about the shop, and participate in “bench racing” activities, where students prepare for real competitions by racing smaller cars using ramps.

In an interview, club sponsor Mr. Mark de la Vega says, “Auto club is where students come to work on vehicles and finish work. Some students come to the club because they don’t want to go home, so they come here.”

Students even go on food runs to places like McDonald’s and Starbucks then come back to work on their cars in the shop.

The club also participates in multiple competitions. One competition that club members participate in is Hot Riders, where students disassemble and reassemble engines using hand tools. The students are judged on time and accuracy.

The club qualified for nationals with other teams across the nation, which takes place on December 24th in Indiana. Additionally, the club attends the RP Expo in February.

Lastly, when asked what Mr. de la Vega enjoys about Auto Club, he responds, “I enjoy the students. They’re fun to work with, and I get more one on one time with them instead of teaching 27 students at one time.”

Auto Club recommends all students currently taking an auto shop class to join. The club is open to all students that have interest in vehicles. If a student has interest in cars, then Auto Club should be their next step to further their knowledge of vehicles.