|
|
|
|
Posted on Wednesday, April 25, 2007 - 12:27 PM
PVC classes opened door to NASCAR racing for Almquist brothers
 When Clint and Kirk Almquist enrolled in Joe Boire’s welding class at Palo Verde College they didn’t suspect it would lead to jobs with NASCAR racing teams.
The twin brothers met with Boire’s current welding students and Henry Rinaldi’s automotive students last Wednesday while making a brief stopover to visit family in Blythe on their way to NASCAR’s weekend race at Phoenix International Raceway.
Clint is now a member of the Richard Childers Racing team and does set up work on Clint Boyer’s number 07 car. Kirk is a member of the Everingham Motor Sports team and serves as assistant crew chief on Elliot Sadler’s number 19 car.
After graduating from Palo Verde High School the brothers traveled to the Charlotte, NC, area where the bulk of NASCAR teams make their home base. They made the rounds of the teams, and both found jobs because of the welding skills they learned while in school in Blythe. They started with the Craftsman Truck teams and have worked their way up.
Both Clint and Kirk now make their homes in the Charlotte area. They don’t spend much time at home during the racing season, and during the off-season, they are busy preparing cars for the next season.
The brothers are the sons of Steve and Caron Almquist, long-time Blythe residents.
Photo special to the Times/IVAN MURRAY
Students in the welding and automotive classes at Palo Verde College had a special treat last week when NASCAR racing team members Clint and Kirk Almquist stopped in for a visit. Shown here are (from left) Clint Almquist, welding instructor Joe Boire, Kirk Almquist, and automotive instructor Henry Rinaldi. Both of the brothers credited the instruction they received in Boire’s classes with helping get their first jobs with NASCAR teams.
|
|
 |
|
 |
| |
|
|
|
