Building the next generation
“Ultra4Next is building the next generation of technicians, fabricators, creators, and innovators. Through hands-on experience, mentorship, and a commitment to the Ultra4 spirit, we equip young people with the skills, passion, and grit to work with their hands — and their brains.”
Ultra4Next is a workforce development and career pathway program — not a fundraiser for racing. We use motorsports, fabrication, technical training, media, and employer access to make students employable.
Rooted in a tradition of racing without limits, Ultra4Next is expanding nationwide — inspiring and training the leaders of tomorrow at every stop on the Ultra4 circuit. Ultra4Next is an affiliate of the Basin Wide Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity.
America is short on skilled hands
- The skilled-trades shortage costs the U.S. economy an estimated $1 trillion every year.
- The auto industry alone has roughly 400,000 open technician positions — Ford has ~5,000 unfilled mechanic jobs paying up to $120,000.
- America needs 3.8 million manufacturing workers, and demand for trades is growing about 3× faster than for desk jobs.
- Ultra4Next rebuilds the pathway: students learn real skills, on real vehicles, next to the employers who are hiring.
The skills crisis, in the headlines →
“Electricians, plumbers, iron workers, technicians, builders — this is your time.”
Recognized for real impact
Bosch honors Shaun Kittrell. Bosch Mobility Aftermarket's “We Spark Performance, You Spark Change” tribute to the Ultra4Next co-founder and Silver Valley High School automotive instructor.
Bosch Educator Recognition Award
Shaun Kittrell, co-founder of Ultra4Next and CTE Automotive Instructor at Silver Valley High School, honored by Bosch Mobility Aftermarket's “We Spark Performance, You Spark Change” initiative for educators who inspire curiosity and empower growth.
May 13, 2026
MDCP Partner of the Year
Alex Striler, President of Ultra4Next, received Partner of the Year from Mountain Desert Career Pathways — a collaborative of nine school districts — at MDCP's 10-year Anniversary Gala, recognizing Ultra4Next's “impact in career and technical education across the High Desert.”
April 29, 2026In the News
“He Gets Kids into Motorsports Through Education” — co-founder Shaun Kittrell on the Our Day Off Podcast, on how Ultra4Next opens the industry to students.
Founded in the dirt
Alex Striler
“I love the saying, ‘A mind expanded by new ideas never goes back to its original boundaries.’ That’s our job. Expand the minds.”
Dave Cole
“We started Ultra4Next, as Shaun first said, to make students employable.”
Shaun Kittrell
“America doesn’t have a shortage of young people interested in skilled trades. It has a shortage of opportunities that make those trades visible, exciting, and attainable.”