Matthew Kyle Butts, a senior at Northwest High School in Clarksville, Tenn., has been fascinated by cars since before he could walk.

"My father has taught me everything I know since I was a toddler playing with my 300 hot wheels in the sandbox," said Butts. "He owned a car restoration shop where he rebuilt muscle cars and hot rods. My goal is to be just like him -- to eventually own my own auto restoration and fabrication shop."

To go from hot wheels to hot rods, Butts knew he needed a good automotive education to fulfill his career ambitions. Thus began the search for the right automotive training school.

After visiting numerous schools, it wasn't until a visit to the NASCAR Technical Institute campus in Mooresville, N.C., did the realization hit.

"When my parents and I walked into NASCAR Tech, I said 'wow' this is the school for me," Butts recounted.

Butts began researching scholarship information and came across an application for the UTI Foundation/NASCAR Angels Scholarship.

Last fall, the UTI Foundation, in conjunction with the NASCAR Angels television program, teamed up to educate viewers about the school and careers in the automotive industry. Aspiring students were asked to submit a video application for the chance to earn $25,000 toward any program at NASCAR Technical Institute.

"I downloaded the scholarship application off of the UTI Web site," said Butts. "I got creative and just took a chance."

Butt's video submission, which featured the completely restored Camaro he bought at age 14 along with parts he fabricated on his own, was impressive.

"It took me three years to restore it," Butts said. "New transmission, all new body work, paint and interior."

Butts' hard work did not go unnoticed. In January, he was selected as the winner of the $25,000 scholarship.

"Matthew demonstrates the initiative and drive the automotive industry prides itself on," said former NASCAR Cup Series shampion, current ABC/ESPN analyst and NASCAR Angels co-host Rusty Wallace.

The scholarship will allow Butts the opportunity to receive formal training in automotive education through a top-notch program at NASCAR Tech.

"This scholarship will give Matthew the training and education he needs to make his dreams come true," said Veronica Meury, vice president and executive director of the UTI Foundation.

Following his high school graduation in May, Butts will begin classes at NASCAR Technical Institute on June 22.

Indeed, he's come a long way since the sandbox.