
Where Skill Meets Speed.
Where Students Become Legends.
Wrench Wars is an electrifying, high-energy automotive technician competition designed to spotlight the next generation of skilled trades professionals.
Hosted during CarFest SA 2026, this two-day showdown brings together top students from vocational and technical programs to compete in real-world automotive challenges — testing speed, precision, diagnostics, and problem-solving under pressure.
This isn’t just a competition.
It’s a stage.
It’s exposure.
It’s workforce development in action.
Carfest 2026 — Event Dates & Times
Friday, April 10, 2026 | 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Saturday, April 11, 2026 | 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Sunday, April 12, 2026 | 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Freeman Coliseum – Expo Hall 2 | San Antonio, Texas

Why Wrench Wars Matters
This competition bridges education and industry.
Students gain
• Real competition experience
• Industry exposure
• Confidence under pressure
• Networking opportunities
Employers gain
• Direct access to emerging talent
• A front-row seat to future technicians
• Recruitment opportunities
Industry Connections
• Stronger workforce development
• Visibility for skilled trades
• Celebration of technical excellence
Competition Overview
Wrench Wars is structured in progressive elimination rounds, pushing competitors to demonstrate mastery across multiple disciplines.
Electrical Board Competition
Saturday | 12:30 PM & 2:30 PM | 30 Participants
Each school selects one representative per round to compete on A-Tech electrical boards.
Students interpret schematics and demonstrate technical accuracy while racing against the clock.
Tire Rotation Challenge
Saturday | 4:30 PM | Top 12
The fastest competitors advance to a head-to-head tire rotation battle. Participants rotate tires from front to back with speed and precision. The quickest times move on to the finals.
Board to Bolt Battle
Sunday | 10:30 AM | Top 4
A fast-paced, multi-stage elimination round where competitors:
• Master a large light electrical system board
• Remove a tire accurately and efficiently
• Complete a rapid-fire tool identification quiz
Only the strongest move forward.
Championship Round
Sunday | 12:30 PM | Top 2
The final two competitors face a real-world vehicle work order scenario.
They must:
• Perform diagnostics
• Identify the issue
• Complete the repair
• Deliver the fastest and most precise solution
The winner is crowned the Precision Pitmaster.
School Participation
Wrench Wars is open to technical and vocational programs ready to showcase their top talent.
Team Structure
• Maximum 5 competitors per school
• Team uniforms or identifiers required
• School advisor must be present on-site
Registration Requirements
• Complete official Wrench Wars School Registration Form
• Submit student names & program designation
• Provide advisor contact information
• Agree to event guidelines & liability terms
Program Leadership
Program Director:
Albert Rizzo
Campus President:
Vanessa Daniels
Frequently asked questions
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