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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.2


                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8 registering 1,002,879 shares of common stock) pertaining to the Amended and
Restated 1997 Long-Term Incentive Plan, Norton Drilling Services, Inc. 1997
Stock Option Plan and Norton Drilling Services, Inc. 1989 Stock Option Plan of
our report dated February 18, 1999, with respect to the consolidated financial
statements and schedule of UTI Energy Corp. included in its Annual Report (Form
10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1998, filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.


                                            /s/ Ernst & Young L.L.P.


                                            ERNST & YOUNG L.L.P.


Houston, Texas
August 24, 1999