HendrickCars.com brings Larson and $25,000 grant to students at Lively Technical College in Tallahassee

HendrickCars.com brings Larson and $25,000 grant to students at Lively Technical College in Tallahassee 

HendrickCars.com brought the excitement of its racing program to the automotive technology department at Lively Technical College in Tallahassee, Florida for its first Hendrick, Get Set. Go! event of 2023.

Kyle Larson, NASCAR Champion and driver of the No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, brought the star power to the $25,000 STEM grant presentation, and spent the afternoon with the students, teachers and local dealership teammates ranging from the general manager to master technicians.

With Hendrick Automotive Group teammates on hand, Larson joined Hendrick Motorsports lead engine builder Kevin Webber to talk with students about their unique paths to advancement, building winning strategies both on the track and in the shop, and what types of careers are available within the automotive industry.


Preparing Students

Hendrick Automotive Group’s Hendrick, Get Set. Go! STEM grant initiative focuses on the automotive technology segment, informing students about apprenticeship and service technician opportunities at dealerships such as Dale Earnhardt Jr. Chevrolet, which is located right down the street from the school. The concentration on science, technology, engineering and math gives students a well-rounded education and helps prepare them for opportunities in a well-compensated, portable career.

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“The need for service technicians is tremendous,” said Jason Goss, general manager at the store. “This event has been a terrific way for us to highlight what is available. It has given us an opportunity to talk with students about what we have to offer, our culture, while helping (us) further cement our relationships with leaders at the school. We had a chance to spend some time with Kyle as well. It was a great day we are grateful to be able to participate.”


The Hendrick, Get Set. Go! grant events bring the resources of the HendrickCars.com racing program on the road, so even schools and dealerships not located close to a race track can benefit.

Excited students gathered around a Gen6 No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet that competed in the NASCAR Cup Series and learned more about its design, engineering and creativity. They enjoyed a closer look at the sport and technology, and took a few pictures along the way.

Broadened Access to the Community


Lively Technical College’s Automotive Service Technology curriculum offers cost-effective NATEF master certification alternatives for students. Through intense instruction, theory education and hands-on application, students receive training on a variety of practical and advanced troubleshooting methods and technologies. Hendrick Automotive Group chose the school for its broadened access to the community and its diverse, inclusive opportunities.

RELATED: We’re hiring! Join our winning team by searching and applying for a position at Hendrick

Student Engine Build

As part of the program, Webber brought along a NASCAR-inspired engine the students built from the ground up. During the build, students were able to construct in tandem with each other. The hands-on experience culminated with a dramatic start of the 358-cubic-inch Chevrolet, thrilling both the students and administrators in attendance.


Stay tuned for the next Hendrick. Get Set. Go! event later this year.

Also, mark your calendars for this year’s Randy Dorton Hendrick Engine Builder Showdown broadcast starting Wednesday, Nov. 8.