Linn State Technical College, a Caterpillar Think BIG education partner, will provide support for the Rod Fuller-driven Caterpillar Top Fuel dragster during the 12th annual O’Reilly Midwest Nationals, May 2-4, at Gateway International Raceway in Madison, Ill.

In Missouri, Linn State Technical College supports Dean Machinery Company, Kansas City, and Fabick CAT, Fenton, Mo. Linn State offers one of eleven Caterpillar Think BIG programs in the nation, and the curriculum is structured to prepare students to troubleshoot, diagnose and repair Caterpillar machines and engines. Linn State will seek potential students during this weekend’s O’Reilly Midwest Nationals and the O’Reilly Summer Nationals, May 30-June 1, at Heartland Park in Topeka, Kan.

“It’s exciting to have Linn State back on our dragster,” Fuller said. “They were involved with our team at St. Louis and Joliet last year and we did well at both of those races. I hope we can keep going strong for them. We did an appearance at the school and the campus is awesome. Anyone looking for technician training and mechanical experience should give Linn State a look.”

“Linn State Technical College is proud to support the Caterpillar race team this weekend through our CAT partnership and the Think BIG program,” Carla R. McDaniel Linn State Executive Director of Development added. “Through recruitment opportunities at both the O'Reilly NHRA Midwest Nationals and the O'Reilly NHRA Summer Nationals next month, we hope to recruit students that are interested in a diesel, heavy equipment or power generation technician career with a Caterpillar dealer in the Midwest.”

Linn State Technical College is located in mid-Missouri (Linn, Jefferson City and Mexico) and has a statewide mission to "prepare students for profitable employment and a life of learning." With over 25 associate-level programs, Linn State offers advanced technical training in both emerging and traditional technologies. Over the past ten years, 95% of Linn State graduates found gainful employment within six months of graduation.