2009 MMI/McGrath scholarhip award winners

$20,000 Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (MMI)/Jeremy McGrath Scholarship Awarded at 2009 Monster Energy® Supercross Finals

AURORA, Ill. (May 2, 2009) -- Jason Harley Abney, Hazel Wirth and Brandon Dooley were awarded the Motorcycle Mechanics Institute(MMI)/Jeremy McGrath Scholarship tonight at the 2009 Monster Energy® AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, finals at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas.

The MMI/Jeremy McGrath Scholarship was designed for individuals who have a passion for working on motorcycles to submit an application and two-minute DVD expressing why they should receive the scholarship. This is the first year that three individuals will share $20,000 to apply to their program of choice at MMI campuses in Phoenix, Ariz. or Orlando, Fla. Abney of Madison, AL, Wirth of Littleton, Colo., and Dooley of Belle Plaine, Kan., will receive $10,000, $6,000 and $4,000, respectively.

McGrath, a seven-time AMA Supercross class champion, personally reviewed the 10 semi-finalist videos and conducted phone interviews with each of his top three selections before making a decision at the finals in Las Vegas.

"The McGrath Scholarship has turned into a great tradition," said McGrath. "It's awesome to see winners from the last five years become so successful from their MMI training. It's a great feeling to be able to give back to the industry that provided so much for me and my family. This year's top winner is a perfect example of how passion, hard work, dedication and commitment will get you where you want to go in life. Jason was a runner up last year but still attended MMI in Orlando and has received many honors while in school. His video this year was all about walking the talk. He is the only applicant that has ever re-entered after just missing first place. That's the kind of commitment and desire I'm looking for from a scholarship winner."

This is the sixth year that Monster Energy® Supercross and MMI have teamed up to offer the MMI/Jeremy McGrath Scholarship. Previous recipients include Tyler Sherbet (2008), Matthew Langham (2007), Mary Morgan (2006), Todd Hunn (2005) and Eric Salava (2004).

"We are so grateful to Jeremy McGrath and Feld Motor Sports for providing deserving individuals with the means to pursue their passion at MMI. To date, Feld Motor Sports has donated $120,000 to this scholarship," said Veronica Meury, vice president and executive director of the UTI Foundation. "Last year's recipient Tyler Sherbet has already interned at select events for the Monster Energy® Supercross season, including the season finals with Warthog Racing. This program has truly helped change lives and we are thrilled to expand the offering to impact three individuals this year."

-credit: ama