Jay Leno Treats Mopar® Career Automotive Program (CAP) Student, Grace Beeler, to an Exciting Ride in His New Demon 170 at Woodward Dream Cruise
Renowned comedian and television personality, Jay Leno, left an indelible mark on a young college student during a memorable encounter. On a Saturday, amidst the historic Woodward Dream Cruise, Leno took the wheel of his brand-new Dodge Challenger SRT® Demon 170 “Last Call” special-edition vehicle. Grace Beeler, a college student with a passion for automobiles, shared this remarkable experience with him.
A dedicated fan of the Dodge/Mopar® brand, Leno made his way to the Motor City to take possession of his extraordinary 1,025-horsepower, 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 street car. This event also served as the platform to launch his new product line, the “Jay + Direct Connection Car Care Collection.” This launch was accompanied by a special presentation featuring Tim Kuniskis, the CEO of Dodge Brand, who handed Leno the keys to his Octane Red Demon 170. Notably, Leno became the inaugural recipient of Dodge’s ultimate special edition muscle vehicle, part of the “Last Call” lineup.
Leno expressed his deep admiration for Dodge, referring to it as an outstanding American brand. He drove his vibrant Octane Red Demon 170 alongside Kuniskis’ sleek Pitch Black Demon 170 along the iconic Woodward Avenue route to Birmingham.
Adding to the significance of the occasion was Grace Beeler, a sophomore at Kirtland Community College in Grayling, Mich., and a standout student in the Mopar College Automotive Program (CAP). Beeler, aiming for a future career as a technician at a Dodge dealership, was selected from a pool of CAP students to join Leno on a ride from the historic Vinsetta Garage along Woodward Avenue to a Dodge luncheon, an integral part of the renowned Woodward Dream Cruise.
Overjoyed by the once-in-a-lifetime experience, Beeler conveyed her gratitude for the opportunity to ride alongside Jay Leno in his new Demon 170. She marveled at the unexpectedness of the experience and cherished the fun-filled time she had. Beeler extended her appreciation to the CAP team, acknowledging the valuable lessons she had gained from the program and eagerly anticipating the upcoming year’s classes.
The Mopar College Automotive Program (CAP) collaborates with over 100 colleges and technical schools across the nation. This comprehensive curriculum serves as a guiding pathway for students entering various sectors of the automotive industry. With over 5,000 active students enrolled, Mopar CAP empowers aspiring automotive enthusiasts to transform their passion into a career. The program equips them with essential training and knowledge required to work with leading brands in the industry, including Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, FIAT, and Alfa Romeo.
Mopar CAP uniquely combines practical hands-on experience with classroom instruction, led by certified educators. Recognizing the pressing need for automotive technical skills, especially with the growing shift toward electrification, Keith Yancy, Director of Performance Institute and Head of Mopar CAP, emphasized the importance of such programs. Mopar CAP collaborates with the Dodge Brand at various events, like NHRA races and Roadkill Nights, showcasing the brand’s commitment to nurturing future automotive technicians and addressing the industry’s technician shortage.
At select NHRA national drag racing events, Mopar CAP students gain valuable opportunities to interact with NHRA drag racing stars Leah Pruett and Matt Hagan of Tony Stewart Racing. They also network with Dodge dealership associates seeking promising auto technicians for their establishments.