As the 2011 Monster Energy AMA Supercross season came to an end May 7 at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas, the season-long search for the Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (MMI) Jeremy McGrath Scholarship winner came to a conclusion. Randy Cardwell of Granby, CT, was selected by McGrath to receive $10,000 for MMI training.
 
The MMI Jeremy McGrath Scholarship is designed to assist students with a passion for working with motorcycles to pursue training in a career that reflects their interests. Interested candidates submitted an application and a two-minute video expressing why they should receive the scholarship to an MMI school of choice.
 
“What an amazing scholarship program,” said Terry Emig, Director of Motor Sports, Motorcycle Mechanics Institute. “The videos submitted this year were outstanding. It is a privilege to align with industry leaders who support education through these programs and scholarships that provide the means for individuals to pursue technical training and an opportunity to achieve their dream careers”.
 
“I couldn’t be more excited to win this award,” said Cardwell. “I’ve been working so hard with my brother to put this video together; it means so much to me. I was nervous, because I didn’t know who I was up against.  There is always a chance someone put together a better video, but I stayed optimistic and was confident in my video. It ended up paying off.”
 
When asked about his future plans at MMI, Cardwell said, “I plan to start school in Orlando, Fla., September 19 and will be focusing my studies on the Kawasaki and Honda programs.  Once I graduate, I’d like to start my own business concentrated on motorsports, and possibly owning a dealership.”
 
This is the eighth year that Monster Energy Supercross and MMI have teamed up to offer the Jeremy McGrath Scholarship. As part of the application process, McGrath personally reviewed six semi-finalist videos and then conducted phone interviews with each of the finalists before making his final selection before a sold out crowd at Las Vegas’ Sam Boyd Stadium for the supercross season finale.
 
“MMI has continued to support Monster Energy Supercross and the future of our sport with the Jeremy McGrath Scholarship,” said Ryan McSpadden, vice president of sales, Feld Motor Sports. “The scholarship gives a student the chance to attend Motorcycle Mechanics Institute and get one step closer to their dream of being a Monster Energy Supercross technician. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity that we are happy to be a part of it.”
 
The successful alliance between Monster Energy Supercross and MMI has launched the careers of several aspiring supercross/motocross mechanics as part of the Jeremy McGrath Scholarship. Previous recipients include Jason Abney, Hazel Wirth, Brandon Dooley, Todd Hunn, Mary Morgan, Matthew Langham and Tyler Sherbet.
 
For more information about the Motorcycle Mechanics Institute, visit www.uti.edu. For more information on the Monster Energy AMA Supercross, visit www.SupercrossOnline.com.