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MTC Welding Grad Credits Class with Saving His Life

 

Moultrie Tech Welding Technology graduate and amateur stockcar racer Lupe “Speedy” Alonzo had a life-threatening and life-changing accident on the South Georgia Motorsports Park racetrack in Cecil, GA, two weeks ago.  Driving the same car in which he took first prize in the All-Star Stockcar Racing Series in the Pure Stock division in 2006, Alonzo slammed into a concrete wall while in first place at the recent race.  He says the only thing that saved him was the roll cage he built using welding skills learned at Moultrie Tech at night under instructor Bill Giles several years ago. 

Alonzo said during an interview with WALB-TV, “People told me that going to school at Moultrie Tech would change my life, but I never knew it would save my life.”  With help from local EMS workers, he escaped the burning racecar with minor injuries including a broken toe and tailbone.

Although he says he will retire from racing now, Alonzo’s welding skills won’t go to waste.  He also uses mig and tig welding on a daily basis as the plant manager and superintendent of Mobley Gin Company in Doerun, Georgia.

Click on the link below for the Monday, August 13, 2007 story that aired on WALB:

http://www.walb.com/global/story.asp?s=6925869

After reading the voiceover copy, scroll down to the bottom of the page to the red camera icon and click on it to watch the video of the story, including the actual racecar crash footage filmed by Lupe’s wife.  Still photos are below.

picture of Lupo Alonzo picture of racing car picture of racing car picture of Lupo Alonzo