Langham Creek High School Automotive Students Restore NASCAR Vehicle
By Ariana Mott, Langham Creek High School (A High School Journalism Network Collaboration)
Langham Creek High School automotive teacher Jonathan Couch is revving up excitement in the classroom. Couch has given automotive students the opportunity to restore a NASCAR stock car.
As a teacher, engine mechanic and competition engine builder, Couch opened an auto shop in 2005. His work caught the attention of local Youtuber, ‘Grassroots NASCAR stock car’, who later became a loyal customer. After working on several cars to great satisfaction, Couch asked if he could allow his students to restore a NASCAR. Grassroots was happy to allow Langham Creek students to restore the car and possibly be in a video.
The project had specific requirements that differ from regular shop jobs.
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“Our task was to install the two ignition boxes, build them back into the wiring harness in the car and route everything for function,” Couch said. “Then we had to test fire the engine and get it running for the first time.”
Students normally work on everyday cars, so working on a racecar was a big deal to them. This gave students the opportunity to give their best efforts and learn new skills.
“I learned how to set up an ignition system,” said Langham Creek automotive student Nicolas Galicia. “I was very amused by its suspension geometry and how it was all custom. That’s what stood out to me the most when I saw the car in person.”
The NASCAR was brought into the Langham Creek High School automotive shop by local When the engine roared to life, the students were astounded. Not only was this a spectacular experience for students but it was also a wonderful learning opportunity.
“If anyone wants to be in automotive, I recommend it,” Galicia said. “Especially at Langham, the teachers really care. They’re probably the best in the district.”
Though working on a NASCAR initially sparked hesitation, students were enthusiastic to work. Having such a unique project has engaged students and sparked excitement among automotive students.
“For me, it’s just another race car,” Couch said. “But to my students, it meant the world.”
Source: CFISD
