Second annual competition highlights automotive technology careers and addresses the industry’s skilled-labour shortage.
Oct. 10, 2026 — Nine teams from seven high schools and technical colleges will compete in the second annual AAPEX Student Competition, putting their automotive skills to the test by tearing down and rebuilding small-block V8 engines in front of a live audience.
The competition, part of AAPEX 2026, has grown significantly from its inaugural event last year, when three teams competed. This year’s field includes an all-female team and represents twice as many schools and three times as many teams as the 2025 competition.
Teams will compete in a timed event to completely disassemble and reassemble a small-block V8 engine. The competition will feature two preliminary rounds, with four teams competing in one group and five in the other. The four fastest teams will advance to the final round, where they will compete for prizes and bragging rights.
“While classroom instruction and lab work build a vital foundation, nothing compares to stepping into the heart of the global automotive industry,” said Bob Parmley, an automotive instructor at Arapahoe Community College in Colorado.
Addressing the technician shortage
The competition was launched as part of a multi-year effort to improve the AAPEX experience while drawing attention to the shortage of automotive technicians. According to the TechForce Foundation, the U.S. produced less than half of the 241,842 automotive technicians it needed last year. The organization projects the country could face a shortage of 1.2 million automotive technicians over the next five years.
Bernard Tansey, owner of Euro Clinic, an independent repair shop in Santa Clara, Calif., has helped organize the competition and serves as a judge and emcee.
“It takes initiative for students to sign up for this and work ethic to perform, which are characteristics many employers find desirable,” Tansey said.
Tansey has also advocated for solutions to the skilled-labour shortage, including practical steps that repair shop owners can take to address the issue.
Students prepare for competition
Jack Stow, an A.S.E.-certified master automobile technician and automotive instructor with North Kansas City Schools, coached last year’s winning team. This year, he is bringing an all-female team to the competition. The two students have been practising after school in preparation for the event.
Michael A. Broud, an automotive maintenance and light repair teacher at Heritage High School in Palm Bay, Fla., will coach two students. One builds dirt bikes, while the other has developed tuning skills and modified a Mazda 3Speed Turbo to produce more than 600 horsepower.
“These two are hungry,” Broud said. “When I asked if they would like to compete, their only question was, ‘When do we start?!’”
Competition expands for 2026
The inaugural competition attracted a large crowd at AAPEX 2025, prompting organizers to add stadium-style seating and large-screen televisions this year to improve the viewing experience.
The competition will take place Wednesday, Nov. 4, near Joe’s Garage. Preliminary rounds are scheduled for 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., with the four fastest teams advancing to the final at 4 p.m. Las Vegas time. Admission to the competition is free.
Sponsoring businesses and volunteer members of the Auto Care Association Tool & Equipment Community support the event and coordinated tools, prizes, and gift bags. Duralast Parts is supplying the engines, while Dorman Products is supplying the engine stands. Milwaukee Tool and Carlyle Tools are sponsoring prizes for the winning teams. Snap-on Incorporated, Carlyle Tools, SP Tools USA, Lisle Corporation and SureWerx are also providing tools for the competition.
AAPEX 2026
Registration is open for automotive aftermarket professionals. Admission is $100, and students and media members are eligible for complimentary passes. Registration for AAPEX 2026 is open for automotive aftermarket professionals; register here.