Meet Matt Delaney: UTI Instructor & Weekend Pit Crew Specialist

Ever wondered what it feels like to be a pit‑crew member? Matt Delaney, a UTI instructor, brings that experience to both the classroom and the track.

At UTI’s Rancho Cucamonga campus, Matt shares his industry expertise daily, while weekends find him working beside professional race teams. His dual roles exemplify how passion can shape a rewarding career.

Read on to discover Matt’s journey, the courses he teaches, and his hands‑on pit‑crew responsibilities.

Meet Matt Delaney

Matt didn’t grow up in a car‑centric household, but his fascination with Hot Wheels and race cars sparked a lifelong passion. "The writing was on the wall," he says.

His career began at Pep Boys and then Firestone, where he earned a smog license—though neither shop performed smog inspections. A subsequent move to an independent shop let him conduct smog checks, perform repairs, and develop diagnostic skills.

When a friend’s shop needed help for a 24‑hour endurance race, Matt volunteered. That event ignited his pit‑crew career, leading to a balancing act of two full‑time jobs: a morning smog technician and night‑time race‑car work.

He later joined a BMW and Porsche race shop, tackling everything from repairs to performance tuning, all while deepening his pit‑crew involvement.

The Road to UTI

Matt quickly became the go‑to mentor wherever he worked, especially at the race shop where newcomers sought guidance. His natural teaching ability made the instructor role at Universal Technical Institute a logical next step.

For the past two years, he has been training aspiring technicians at UTI, currently leading three courses:

• Braking Systems: Builds on the Intro to Undercar course, covering traction control, stability control, ABS, and diagnosing electrical faults in these systems.
• Steering & Suspension: A performance‑oriented course focusing on drifting, drag racing, alignment for high performance, and diagnosing everyday vehicle complaints.
• Power & Performance III: Students gain hands‑on dyno experience, applying skills from earlier classes to see full‑scale results.

Matt’s favorite part of teaching is witnessing students assemble the knowledge they’ve earned—especially in Power & Performance, where they finally see the entire system in action on the dyno.

He also takes pride in seeing students advance to programs like Porsche’s Technology Apprenticeship Program (PTAP), a highly selective opportunity that aligns with his own enthusiasm for the brand.

What Does a Pit‑Crew Member Do?

Matt’s weekend schedule is packed, but it’s his passion that keeps him energized. He began crewing while working at a race shop, balancing weekday shop duties with Saturday and Sunday track runs. As his commitments grew, he expanded his network and began supporting multiple shops.

Today, he crews on weekends while teaching during the week. Each weekend is unique—sometimes he supports a single customer; other times he manages a shop with 7 or 8 cars.

Typical weekend responsibilities include:

• Unloading Trailers: Coordinating the removal of 10–12 crew members and up to 30 cars.
• Car Prep: Cleaning, organizing, and assigning vehicles to the correct crewman.
• Tire Management: Changing tires as requested and ensuring proper pressure.
• General Maintenance: Inspecting brakes, suspension, and undercarriage for leaks and safety compliance.
• Pit Operations: Removing wheels, changing tires, and torqueing during race returns.
• Repairs: Performing transmission work, axle replacement, and part replacement—common after race incidents.

During endurance races (3–24 hours), Matt also handles over‑the‑wall crewing, fueling, and tire changes.

Adapting to an Evolving Industry

Matt notes that the biggest shift in the automotive world is the instant access to information—especially in performance. “Things once thought impossible are now just an overnight order from a parts supplier,” he explains.

As technology advances, technicians trained on the latest tools will be essential. “Success in this field hinges on knowledge,” Matt says.

Now is an ideal time to pursue a career in automotive technology. The demand for skilled technicians remains high, and UTI’s curriculum directly translates to real‑world industry skills.

It’s All About Passion

Balancing classroom instruction with weekend crewing, Matt’s life revolves around passion. “I never feel like I’m working,” he says.

His advice to aspiring technicians: “Keep honing your skills; the industry offers countless paths. Even if you don’t find the perfect fit immediately, there’s likely a perfect match waiting. Curiosity about new technology can open doors for those who thought cars weren’t for them.”

Matt also stresses the importance of listening. “Great technicians know there’s always room to grow. Asking questions and truly listening sets them apart.”

Matt exemplifies a career fueled by passion, and his impact on the industry is undeniable. We look forward to seeing what he achieves next.

Ready to Start Your Training?

At Universal Technical Institute, students learn from passionate instructors dedicated to their success. To explore a future at UTI, visit our website and request information today.