Growing up with the last name Earnhardt, my life has always revolved around horsepower, turning wrenches, and the roar of an engine. From my days behind the wheel in NASCAR to my current role as shop foreman here at Joey Logano’s Huntersville Ford outside of Charlotte, I’ve spent a lifetime around high-performance machines. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the world of servicing vehicles is changing faster than a sub-seven-second pit stop.
Back in the day, fixing a car was about grease, grit, and gut feeling. Today, our Ford vehicles are rolling supercomputers. To keep them running, we don’t just need mechanics; we need brilliant technicians who can navigate complex diagnostics, software, and advanced electrical systems. That’s why I was incredibly proud to welcome a group of Ford Auto Tech Scholars to our dealership for a hands-on Career Day.
These scholars represent the future of our industry, backed by a program that helps bridge the gap between classroom training and a rewarding, long-term career. Through a collective effort from Ford Philanthropy and Ford dealers, over $11 million in scholarships has been invested since 2023 to support 2,200 students across 46 states — with $4 million dedicated to 800 students this year alone.
But getting these scholars ready for the shop floor takes more than just tuition. It requires true wrap-around support, from helping them secure essential tools, credentials, and transportation to giving them the kind of hands-on learning you can only get inside an active service bay.
That’s exactly why we hosted them for our Career Day. Our goal was simple: Take that support to the next level by pulling back the curtain and showing these students how their classroom knowledge translates to the fast-paced reality of a modern dealership.
We kicked off the morning sharing our dealership's history, work culture, and community connection, asking the scholars to share one top-of mind question about their future. Their curiosity was sharp, and they were eager to learn. They asked about everything from how we navigate the rapid modernization of cars and service complex electric vehicles to what their long-term earning potential could look like. It was clear they weren't just looking for a job; they were looking to build a career.
We decided the best way to answer their questions was to show them what the work is like firsthand. We guided them through our active service bays. They got to stand side-by-side with our team, including a senior master technician and a senior technician, who shared their own career journeys. The scholars continued to ask smart questions about climbing the ranks, specialized certifications, and what a typical day looks like on the front lines.
But we didn't want them just watching. We challenged the students to team up and tackle real-world troubleshooting scenarios, including running diagnostic tests to identify the cause of a check engine light. Watching them huddle over a vehicle, applying their knowledge to diagnose complex issues, reminded me of why I love this industry.
“Watching them huddle over a vehicle, applying their knowledge to diagnose complex issues, reminded me of why I love this industry.”
We wrapped up the day discussing the incredible opportunities waiting for them right here at Joey Logano’s Huntersville Ford, but honestly, the most rewarding part was just seeing their passion for the work.
My dad always used to say that a driver is only as good as the team behind him. In racing, it’s the crew in the pits and the guys in the shop who put you in victory lane. It’s no different at a dealership. Our technicians are the heartbeat of everything we do.
Seeing these young scholars step up, ready to take on the challenge of this new era of automotive technology, gives me a lot of pride. The tools in our hands might have changed from heavy wrenches to diagnostic laptops, but the grit, the passion, and the drive to win? That’s exactly the same.
Kerry Earnhardt, son of NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt, is a former NASCAR driver and the shop foreman at Joey Logano’s Huntersville Ford.
About the Ford Auto Tech Scholarship: Applications are now open for the next class of scholars. Administered by TechForce Foundation, this program helps students bridge the gap between classroom learning and high-paying careers. 2026 scholarship applications are now open! If you are an aspiring technician and interested in learning more, visit www.TechForce.org/FordPhilanthropy. Applications close September 30, 2026.
