The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Minnesota (AASP-MN) held its 21st annual Race for Automotive Education, Jan. 23-26 at ProKart Indoor Racing in Burnsville, MN.
The event raised more than $14,000 to support the alliance’s Automotive Education Fund and will fund scholarships for automotive students enrolled in ASE-accredited auto service and collision repair programs in Minnesota’s technical colleges.
During the four nights of racing, 40 teams comprised of 195 racers from auto service and collision repair shops and industry suppliers took to the track in go-karts reaching speeds of up to 40 mph. Many spectators were also on hand to cheer on their team.
Trophies were awarded to the first place and runner-up teams each night. They were:
Monday, Jan. 23
- First: Fairway Collision & Mechanical, Vadnais Heights
- Runner-up: Collision Specialists Inc., Red Team (CSI Green came in third), Austin
Tuesday, Jan. 24 (student night)
- First: DCTC Team No. 1, Rosemount
- Runner-up: DCTC Team No. 2, Rosemount
Wednesday, Jan. 25
- First: Wenzel Auto Electric, Mankato
- Runner-up: LaMettry's Collision, Minnetonka
Thursday, Jan. 26
- First: Suburban Chevrolet, Eden Prairie
- Runner-up: Heppner’s Team No. 3, St. Paul
In addition to the 40 race teams, this event was supported by 1Collision Network, 3M, Auto Value/Benco Equipment, CBIZ, Dentsmart PDR, FinishMaster, Justice Brothers Car Care Products, LKQ-Minnesota, Lube-Tech & Partners and United Fire Group.
New this year, AASP-MN will be awarding prizes at the Annual Meeting & Leadership Conference on April 5 to the top team of the week and other notable race accomplishments.
The Automotive Education Fund was established in 2002 to provide financial resources to support automotive students, enhance automotive programs and raise awareness of career opportunities in the automotive service industry. Since its inception, nearly $310,000 has been invested in student scholarships, SkillsUSA and automotive education programs throughout the state.
For more information, visit www.aaspmn.org or call the alliance office at 612-623-1110.
Source: AASP-MN
