Marquette Engineering Student "Racin' for a Livin'" Released: July 19, 2006 Marquette University College of Engineering student Jason Taghikhani is racing toward his dream of becoming a NASCAR® driver. He will get one step closer to his dream if he is selected by Internet votes for the new reality show Racin’ for a Livin.' Racin’ for a Livin’ is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for one driver to receive seven fully sponsored rides in a NASCAR Busch Series car in the 2007 season. The show was created by veteran open-wheel racer Jerry VanDenHul. Fans can cast their vote for their favorite rookie drivers, learn about their background, and view Internet video to learn why the drivers are chasing their dreams of NASCAR glory. Taghikhani was selected out of thousands to be one of 21 wildcards to eligible to be voted onto the show. Of the 21, only five will be selected.   Inspired by his uncle Fred Winn, a Slinger (Wis.) Speedway veteran, Taghikhani has been racing stock cars for the past four years. He has combined his passion for driving with his education in mechanical engineering to build his car. His pit crew is made up of two former Marquette College of Engineering students and one current engineering graduate student. Currently, Taghikhani is primarily racing in the American Speed Association (ASA) racing series but occasionally will race in other series. Taghikhani must cover the cost of racing through sponsorships.  He has had financial backing from the College of Engineering for the past three years. His all-Marquette pit crew has also chipped in, covering their costs for pit access (usually around $30 per person). Fans can vote for Taghikhani at www.racinforalivin.com through Aug. 15. It has not been announced when the show will air or on what channel. Media interested in talking to Taghikhani should contact Anne Broeker in the Office of Marketing and Communication at (414) 288-0286. Office of Marketing and Communication Contacts Anne Broeker Senior Media Relations Specialist Phone: (414) 288-0286 Send e-mail