12/02/03 - The Glen Oaks Auto Tech Program welcomed over 20 prospective students for the coming year into the Auto Tech Program.  Mr. Skip Holbert was on hand to show the Youth & Education Services video, "Careers At The Starting Line".  This short presentation is a part of the National Hot Rod Association's high school education program and has been presented at many schools in the Baton Rouge area during the past year.  He also talked about the Baton Rouge SMART Program.

Mr. Holbert gave a short talk on his recent visit to the Louisiana State Prison at Angola, LA.   The 100 Black Men of Baton Rouge took 20 youth to visit the prison.  Mr. Holbert stated that Auto Mechanics is taught at the prison and these students can take advantage of the chance to learn Auto Technology here in high school or, if they make bad choices in life, they may take the same program in prison.  While visiting the prison, many facts were given about the population of the prison, which has over 5100 inmates (all male).  The Corrections Officer leading our tour said the percentage of Black inmates compared to the total population of Louisiana and the nation is alarming.  Over 80% of the inmates are Black at Angola.  In the nation, Blacks represent about 17% of the total population, but over 40% of all inmates in the country are Black.  Approximately 20% of all inmates are White.  TV and movies do not do justice to the hard facts of prison life.  This is an experience that will stay with me for the remainder of my life.  

Mr. Holbert had his 1967 Camaro Super Gas Drag Race Car in the shop, to repair a small gas leak which required draining the gas tank. The students took advantage of the opportunity and looked over the race car, inside and out. Mr. Holbert answered questions about drag racing and auto sports in general.  Mr. Lyons showed the racecar that he is constructing in the shop.  The kids got to see a before and after of racecar construction.  

At the end of the day, 18 students had signed up as interested in taking the Auto Tech program this coming year.

Photos from YES presentation and car show. (Click here)

12/15/03 - The racing season is over in Louisiana (Baton Rouge area).  I have my new fuel regulator installed and I have installed an air pan under the carb to seal the under hood air from getting in.  I have applied most of the new graphics to the car and the only thing that is not done is the big "Mr. Skip" on each side.  I am going to install a new eight switch panel from Painless Wiring.  In the past, I have used this same panel and learned to really love it, although I complained about the small gauge wires.  During the past 5 years, Painless Wiring has improved the wiring of their panel and installed larger gauge wiring.  Some mounting brackets must be installed to get the panel in the position that I had it in the other car.  When I am finished the "cockpit" will look like the other car, with everything at my fingertips. 
Skip Looks Over Dyno Engine Tester At Tim's Engines

12/26/03 - Good news from the IRS!  The Baton Rouge SMART Program is APPROVED as a 501(c)(3) Tax Exempt organization!  

            

   4th Qtr 2003    1st Qtr. 2004