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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 AM6:30 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

arizzo@stvt.edu

 

Campus President:

Vanessa Daniels

vanessa.daniels@stvt.edu

Frequently asked questions

Claim Your FREE Ticket to
CarFest SA 2026!

Join us for a weekend of family fun, free repairs, custom cars, vendors, giveaways, and more!


April 10–12, 2026 | Freeman Coliseum EXPO HALL | San Antonio, TX

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Big brands that will make CarFest happen

REALIZATION

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SPONSORS

Jasper automotive parts
BG Automotive Logo
O'Reily Auto Parts
Red McCombs driven to serve
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