Phoenix, Ariz., April 21, 2009. On Friday, May 1, AAA and Ford are handing 20 Arizona high school students the keys to jumpstart their careers in the automotive repair industry at the AAA/Ford Motor Student Auto Skills Challenge.

The contest, which will comprise of juniors and seniors representing 10 schools across the state, will take place at Firebird International Raceway beginning at 9 a.m. This year, Auto Skills will offer a record $10.7 million in scholarships to students at both the state and national level.

“As an organization representing the motoring public, AAA is committed to the future of automotive service, which is why we have remained committed to co-sponsoring Auto Skills for 25 years,” said Don Nunnari, vice president of membership products and services for AAA Arizona. “Auto Skills rewards aspiring automotive technicians and, we hope, inspire them to get the necessary training so that they can embark on promising careers and become the best professionals in the automotive repair industry.”

At the competition, each two-student team will race the clock to correctly identify and fix intentionally installed “bugs” on identical 2009 Ford vehicles. After diagnosing and repairing their vehicle, the teammates must drive their assigned vehicle across the finish line, where it will be inspected by automotive professionals for accuracy and workmanship.

This year’s participating schools and students include:

Participating students advanced to the May 1 competition by achieving the 10 highest written exam scores in the state earlier this year. The winning team from hands-on portion of the contest will receive scholarships and other valuable prizes, and will also represent Arizona at the National Finals in Dearborn, Mich. on June 14-16, 2009.

AAA Arizona, the Arizona affiliate of AAA, provides automotive, insurance and auto travel services to nearly 800,000 Arizona members.  Annually, AAA’s Emergency Road Service responds to more than 450,000 calls for help on the streets and highways of the state as well as providing insurance, travel, and financial services to AAA members and motorists.  Since its founding in 1927, AAA Arizona has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.

# # #

NOTE: Please contact AAA Public Affairs if you have any questions or would like to arrange interviews with local finalists.