Tyler Hatch

MassBay Community College automotive technology graduate, Tyler Hatch, working at a NASCAR Whelen Modified race, May 2022 (Photo: Tom Morris).

ASHLAND, Mass. (June 10, 2022) — Tyler Hatch of East Falmouth, MA, worked at Cape Cod’s Battles Buick GMC as an automotive technician and technical inspector for the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) when he decided he wanted to further his automotive knowledge to advance in his career. “I realized that if I was going to progress in the auto racing industry, I should learn as much as possible about cars by earning a degree, which would enable me to move my career forward,” said Tyler.

“I’ve loved cars ever since I was a kid and always played with toy cars around the house. I couldn’t get enough of racing, watching NASCAR on TV, or traveling to the Seekonk Speedway to watch the races. I thought working at the Seekonk Speedway would be a good first step to launch a career in auto racing, and it turned out I was right. I worked there on Friday nights as a tech official, inspecting the cars and gaining a lot of intensive and relevant experience. In 2018, I started working for NASCAR as a technical inspector and am still employed there. As a dedicated racing fan, this was a dream come true. There are 16 races per season, and I travel to all the races and work on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour.”

As a technical inspector for NASCAR, Tyler is part of the team that inspects each race car before it goes on the track. Tyler and the other race techs help run the necessary day-of-show activities, which include running time trials, regulating the cars from pit road as they make quick adjustments, fuel, change tires, and conduct many other tasks that cars need throughout a race to ensure the safety of the drivers and crew. “The work is fast-paced, and you need to be on your toes, but it’s fascinating to be down in the action to make sure the races go off without a hitch,” he said.

“I couldn’t be happier with the experience I received at MassBay. The online courses provided me with the flexibility I needed with my busy schedule at the dealership and NASCAR, and an extra layer of experience in the auto industry. I was able to apply what I learned in classes to my positions at Battles Buick GMC, NASCAR, and Seekonk Speedway. I was immersed in new content across the board, with all my knowledge sources complementing each other. It’s been a great ride.”

Tyler graduated from MassBay with a 3.892 GPA and was honored at MassBay’s 2022 Commencement ceremony with the All-Division and All-Program Academic Award for having the highest GPA in the Automotive Technology Division and the Automotive Technology General Motors program. Tyler earned his Associate in Science Degree in Automotive Technology: General Motors. He will continue to work at Battles Buick GMC, NASCAR, and the Seekonk Speedway.

MassBay Community College is the most affordable higher education option in MetroWest Boston, offering a robust portfolio of courses and more than 70 associate degree and certificate programs with flexible day, evening, and weekend classes in Ashland, Framingham, Wellesley Hills, and online. MassBay students receive an unmatched educational value by earning stackable credits that transfer to bachelor’s degree programs, and workforce-ready skills necessary to advance careers in high-demand fields such as health and life sciences, automotive technology, engineering, business, cybersecurity, and the humanities. MassBay’s Associate Degree in Nursing (RN) and Practical Nursing (LPN) programs were both ranked as the #1 Nursing Program in Massachusetts in 2020-2021 by national nursing advocacy organizations RegisteredNursing.org, and PracticalNursing.org. Since its founding in 1961, MassBay has been accredited by several governing bodies and remains firmly committed to its mission of meeting the needs of the diverse local communities it serves. We value the intrinsic worth of all individuals, collectively in pursuit of inclusiveness and prioritize our work towards achieving equity within our community and beyond.