OGDEN — Weber State University expects more than 550 high school students to visit their campus for the auto tech competition on Dec. 4, at which Layton and Clearfield High Schools have both received recognition in the past and Davis, Viewmont and Woods Cross High School teams have attended.

Last year, teams from Clearfield, Layton, Davis, Viewmont and Woods Cross High Schools all advanced with the Davis Applied Technology College to the championship round of the competition.

“Davis County High Schools will be sending a large representation to the annual competition,” Weber State University announced in a written statement.

Automotive students take a written exam measuring their knowledge of auto technology. After the exam, students go through WSU’s automotive department and participate in demonstrations with professionals.

Custom hot rods, off-road vehicles and showroom cars will all be on display on a tour for the students. Charley Hutton, a custom painter from “American Hot Rod,” “Overhaulin” and “Rides” will also attend the event.

The top 24 scoring high schools from the written exam will be invited back to WSU in February for the next round of the competition. That day features hands-on competition when students use the latest tools and diagnose and troubleshoot repairs on new models.

This competition is designed and administered by the automotive industry and the winning students receive scholarships and tools. Their respective high schools also receive plaques and new vehicles to encourage their programs.

Last year Layton High School received a 2005 Chrysler Sebring in recognition of having the most students graduate from WSU’s Automotive Technology programs over the past five years. Clearfield High School was also recognized for sending the most incoming freshmen to the program for the 2007-08 school year and were given a 2002 Dodge Dakota.

For more information about the competition or WSU’s program, visit weber.edu/automotive/WSU_Contest.html.

sroberts@davisclipper.com