The 6th Annual NTXAD Auto Tech Competition at Texas Motor Speedway brought a record turnout, expanded programming and new champions rising to the top of the largest competitive field since the event began. Students from 64 schools from across North Texas brought their skills to the competition, an increase from previous years and a clear sign of growing interest in automotive technology careers.

Hosted by the North Texas Automobile Dealers (NTXAD), the two-day competition tested students’ real-world diagnostic and repair skills while giving them direct access to dealerships and industry partners preparing to hire the next generation of automotive technicians.

“There is a significant shortage of well-qualified technicians nationwide, and events like this competition shine a spotlight on the students stepping into those roles,” said David Johnson, CEO of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

Leaders Highlight Momentum Behind Skilled Trades

“We are seeing growing support at the state and federal levels for programs like this,” said Rep. David Cook, who attended the final day of competition. “Many students leave college with debt, while programs like this offer direct pathways into strong careers. This is a nonpartisan issue. Preparing young people for the future benefits everyone, and Texas needs more skilled technicians on the road.”

“People take technicians for granted, but daily life depends on them to obtain groceries, medical supplies, for safe transportation, everything,” said C. Brent Franks, president of NTXAD. “You don’t need a four-year degree and student debt if you don’t have a passion for that route. If we had 1,000 certified technicians today, we could place them within a week. The technology in cars is so advanced that demand for skilled workers has never been higher.”

A Workforce Pipeline Six Years Strong

In the past two years, NTXAD has helped 139 former participants secure technician positions at North Texas dealerships, validating the competition’s role as one of the region’s most effective workforce-development initiatives.

Students also participated in a career fair featuring OEMs, dealerships, training programs and hands-on demonstrations. Industry partners represented dozens of major brands, including Chevrolet, Ford, Subaru, Buick, GMC, Audi, Acura, BMW, Hyundai, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Toyota and Volkswagen, along with support from Capital One, Tekion, Ally Financial, Ikon Technologies and the Carroll Shelby Foundation.

All winning teams received professional-grade Snap-On tools, scholarships to NTXAD’s Fast Track Automotive Technician Training Program and recognition at a luncheon attended by North Texas auto dealers and industry leaders from across the country.