PHOTO - NASCAR driver Garrett Smithley, right, operates a robot in the Vincennes University manufacturing lab with the assistance from VU student Chris Downey, Winslow. Smithley visited VU on July 11 as part of his effort to promote advanced manufacturing technician education, efforts that include racing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 22. Downey will complete the AMT program at VU in August. Downery is a 2015 graduate of Pike Central High School where he was valedictorian. As part of the program, he is a Toyota AMT maintenance intern who will begin full-time employment at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana upon graduation. He also plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in industrial technology from Purdue University at its VU instruction site. ###