A crowd of over 500 heard Philadelphia native Edward T. Welburn, Vice President, General Motors Global Design as the keynote speaker at the Urban Youth Racing School’s 11th Annual Build A Dream Award Ceremony, on Tuesday, March 31, 2009 at the Simeone Automotive Foundation. Welburn praised the students and parents, and told his own story of rising through the ranks of GM to one of the company’s top positions.

One highlight of his presentation was Welburn’s description of designing the Oldsmobile Aerotech in 1987. He told of being inspired by pictures he had seen of the Porsche “Hippie” 917 in drawing the Aerotech’s sleek lines. The “Hippie” 917 is one of the stars of the Simeone collection and that evening was the first time Welburn had seen the car in person. The Aerotech design was so successful, A.J. Foyt set a closed course record that still stands today - over 250 mph.

Other Supporters in attendance included Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter; Richard Childress, Nascar team owner; Terrence J, BET 106 & Park; Jeff Burton, NASCAR Sprint Cup Driver; Ryan Gifford, Team Dillon racing, Pro Boxer Steve Cunningham and Philadelphia hip hop star Beanie Siegel.

Mr. Ed J. Peper, North America Vice President, Chevrolet served as the dinner chairman.  Mr. Peper said, “in this current economic climate, Chevrolet is pleased to be able to continue it’s long standing support of the educational and training programs of the Urban Youth Racing School.”  It’s proofed positive that these young people are important to the future of our country.”

Mr. Welburn, a thirty-seven year veteran, rose through the ranks of the General Motors Design staff; starting as an associate designer in the Advanced Design Studios in 1972 and was named Vice President, Global Design in 2005. Mr. Welburn said, “I’m always thankful and appreciative to be able to come home and give back to the community that is a part of my very being.”

The Urban Youth Racing School, a one of kind program, founded in 1998, is a 501 C 3 organization. It has advanced the basic interest in the motorsports industry into a nationally acclaimed educational program that incorporates the pillars of science, technology, engineering and math, through the Build A Dream, Engine Design and Team Development programs.  Over 2200 students have passed through the UYRS program. The school has a 90% college acceptance rate and has positively impacted the lives of inner city youth.

Other event partners include Comcast, Joe Gibbs Racing, The Chubb Corporation, Craftsman,  Sprint, XBOX, Ben & Jerry Home made Inc., Penske Corp, ISC and E.B. Mahoney Builders.

About UYRS:

The UYRS was founded in 1998 and is the brainchild of former sports marketing executive, Anthony Martin. The 501-C3 organization if privately funded by corporate sponsorships and donations. UYRS uses innovative educational techniques to teach urban students “STEM” - science, technology, engineering and math.  We use motorsports as a vehicle to increase students’ exposure to, and interest in, self-directed learning, scientific inquiry and transfer of knowledge with the primary goal of 100% high school graduation.  Our success will be measured by the success of our students in college, work and life.
For more information on the UYRS please visit www.uyrs.com <http://www.uyrs.com/>