More than 280 students took part in the annual Career Day hosted at Blessed Trinity Catholic School on Tuesday, June 7th. When the Orbit racing transporter arrived with the race cars to be displayed at career day, the excitement could be felt in the air. Both parents and students were anxious to see what the transporter was carrying as it arrived at the school’s parking lot.
At the career day event, students from all age groups were able to learn, first hand, about the world of racing and all of the career choices available in the racing industry. All career stations were actively providing students with information, question and answer sessions, and demonstrations. Although all the career day stations were very impressive, one extremely popular station took center stage with the students; The Orbit Racing team and the showcased race cars they support on the track. “Obviously, very few of us, as young children, know exactly what we want to do for a living, but fortunately the racing industry can offer a world of opportunity and varying skill sets, while enjoying themselves at the same time. The racing industry is very fun and exciting.” said Omar Rodriguez. Orbit racing team principal, Rodger Hawley was able to talk to the students for a few minutes about all the aspects of running a successful racing team. He focused on all the careers involved with a team, from the Team Principal, Fuel Man, truck driver, person in charge of data acquisition and of course, the driver. We discussed teamwork, determination, hard work and setting goals.
Rodger Hawley, Team Principal, demonstrated the race car to the enthusiastic students. He pointed out the location of the fuel cell to the engine bay. He also demonstrated a wheel change that actually happens during a real race. Omar Rodriguez, driver, focused on demonstrating all of the safety gear required to safely drive the race car. He also discussed the training and experience involved to get behind the wheel.
But most exciting, was when they demonstrated a pit stop. The children were listening to the driver in the car through the radio. The driver spoke to the students several times from inside the car. The children were also able to view a demonstration of the car being elevated from the ground on air jacks, changing tires, and even pretend adding fuel, as it is actually done in a race.
Rodger yelled an “all clear to the race car” and the car dropped from the air jacks. The children in unison got on the radio and said “Driver start your engine”. When Omar started the Porsche Grand-Am race car, you could only see smiles and excitement from the children’s faces.
“The one message we wanted to leave with the students of Blessed Trinity was that no matter what career path you choose, surrounding yourself with a team of determined, hard-working people, doing what you love, are the biggest keys to your success.” said Rodger Hawley.
“The kids seriously loved career day,” Mrs. Dominguez, Career day organizer, added. “They enjoy learning about all the different careers.” “But Orbit racing and their race cars were a hit. The children are still talking about it.”
"We knew that it would be an interesting career station, but we never expected the level of excitement that we experienced. It is great to be able to give back to our community.” said Omar Rodriguez. "I think there are some great future race car drivers in the crowd, and I know it is a day that they will never forget." said Rodger Hawley.
