Auto magazine editor to visit ISU

One of the leading names in motorsports will be rolling through ISU Thursday. Jerry Pitt, the publisher of Hot Rod magazine, will be in the College of Technology, from noon to 3 p.m. on April 19 room 105 to talk to students and the community. Pitt hopes to help students seeking career opportunities and to get input from them concerning a possible Hot Rod tour through Terre Haute. "It's all about pursuing your passion," Pitt said. "At Hot Rod we are consistently asked about careers ranging from publishing to automotive to how to break into the business. There are many choices for qualified graduates of automotive programs. I'm thrilled to share my experiences and offer insight into the enthusiast world." Hot Rod magazine is the world's largest magazine for automotive enthusiasts. The magazine reaches more than 7.5 million readers per month and has been published since 1948, making it the oldest publication devoted to the hobby of hot rodding. "I am extremely proud to be a part of this exciting industry and directing this influential brand." Pitt said. In addition to speaking about career opportunities, Pitt is considering Terre Haute as a stop for next year's Hot Rod Magazine Power Tour. "He wants to talk to students about the power tour coming to Terre Haute next year." said Joseph Harder, associate professor of Management Information Systems. "This year the closest stop is Evansville." The Hot Rod magazine Power Tour is a moving hot rod show presented by GM Performance Division and co-sponsored by Flowmaster Performance Exhaust. The tour has grown exponentially since its inception in 1995 and now includes thousands of rare classic and concept cars. This year's tour will last eight days starting June 3 and visit 7 cities including Cleveland, Ohio, Racine, Wis., Springfield Ill., Evansville Ind., and Memphis, Tenn. before closing in Little Rock, Ark. "It would be great publicity for ISU and for Terre Haute," Harder said. "(Pitt's) magazine is one of the premier magazines for hot rod enthusiasts." Pitt will give a presentation entitled Educational and Career Paths in Motorsports in the John T. Myers Technology Center. "His presentation is about 45 minutes and then the remainder of the time will be devoted to the panel discussion." Harder said. The presentation and panel discussion are not aimed exclusively toward students interested in motorsports or automotive fields. Students interested in pursuing careers in marketing, journalism, publishing and public relations are encouraged to attend as well. In addition to Jerry Pitt, other panel members include Guy Faulkner, the Director of Motorsports initiatives and Assistant Professor of Motorsports Studies at ISU, Tom Weisenbach, Executive Director of the Indiana Motorsports Association, Jane Barnes Special Projects Coordinator at Panther Racing and Charles Williams, Principal at Williams Randall marketing.