MAKING IT TO THE TRACK REQUIRES TEAMWORK

By Marty Baker

Like most students, Scott Shriver really didn’t have a plan for his life when he was in early high school. But he was fortunate to have an instructor who recognized his talent and ability to weld and who recommended that he check out the Hobart Institute for further training.

"I took every course that was offered at Hobart," says Scott, "and by the time I completed training in 1977, I knew that I wanted to go to Alaska and weld on the pipeline. That really sounded challenging and interesting to me."

But as life goes along, we sometimes have to take the path that is offered, thus changing our plans.

"I then received a call from a company in my hometown in Logansport, Indiana, who wanted me because I was a Hobart graduate. I figured I had lots of time and nothing to lose by gaining a little experience. I ended up spending the next 12 years there!" Scott continues. "I came in as an entry-level welder and worked my way up to shop foreman. We manufactured tubing for the oil industry."

Scott continues to be just as enthusiastic about welding today as he was when he left Hobart.

"I’ve welded every day since I finished training and never been without a job," says Scott.

After gaining that welding experience, Scott went to California to Precision Preparation, Inc. and was involved in welding for the factory Toyota off-road racing team. Along with his Hobart training, this opened new doors for him in the motorsports industry.

For the past eight years, Scott has been with Hendricks Motorsports in North Carolina. Currently the lead fabricator for the #25 team, Scott helps to build cars for Winston Cup driver Jerry Nadeau. They are sponsored by UAW/Delphi. Hendricks Motorsports currently has six teams on their site, including Jeff Gordon, Terry LaBonte, Jimmie Johnson, Jack Sprague, and Ricky Hendrick.

Gas tungsten arc and gas metal arc welding are used for precise welds on mild and stainless steel and aluminum. The welding is critical, the skill level of the welders is high, and the environment is extremely clean. The welding performed is truly an art.

"We work as a team and every member is expected to pull their own weight," Scott continues. "We don’t have time to teach on-site because it is very fast-paced. Those we hire must have experience in automotive fabrication and be able to function as a team player."

Scott draws a comparison to other professional sports, such as basketball or football. "You don’t start out in the pros. You begin learning team sports in high school and if you’re good enough, you advance in the sport through college and only the cream of the crop become professional team players. So it is with welding for the Winston Cup teams."

They are the professionals! The pay is excellent, but it is also earned. No one is going to hand the high salaries to you on a silver platter. The competition is tough. You’ve got to be willing to work your way up, often times spending many hours on the road and "sweeping some floors and running for parts" along the way. Is it worth it?

"Most definitely!" says Scott. "My Hobart training opened so many doors for me along the way. And it helps to take advantage of every opportunity to learn welding techniques, whether it be on a local Saturday night racing circuit or the fabrication shop in your hometown."