24th Annual Race for Automotive Education Raises Nearly $12,000 for Student Scholarships

AASPMN • April 21, 2026

ASSOCIATION UPDATES

AASPMN held its 24th Annual Race for Automotive Education February 23-26 at ProKart Indoor Racing in Burnsville. The event raised nearly $12,000 to support the AASPMN’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, 29 teams (145 racers) of auto service and collision repair shops, technical school students and industry suppliers took to the track in go-karts reaching speeds of up to 40 miles per hour. Many spectator fans were also on hand to cheer on their team. 


In addition to the 29 race teams, the event was supported by: 

  • 3M Company 
  • Auto Value Parts Stores/APH 
  • BASF Corporation 
  • CSN Collision 
  • LKQ - Minnesota 
  • Lube-Tech 
  • MN ADAS 
  • NCS/Single Source 
  • Optimize Digital Marketing 
  • PPG Automotive Finishes 
  • Suburban Chevrolet 


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, over $360,000 has been invested in student scholarships, SkillsUSA and automotive education programs throughout the state. 


For more information, visit aaspmn.org or call the AASPMN office at 612-623-1110.


31st Annual AASPMN Golf Outing Announced

The 31st Annual AASPMN Golf Outing will be held Wednesday, June 10 at Majestic Oaks Golf Club in Ham Lake. All collision repair and auto service industry professionals and suppliers are invited to attend the event to enjoy a day of golfing and socializing with industry peers. 


Play will begin at 12:30pm, followed by dinner and an awards presentation. The cost to participate is $125 per golfer or $500 per foursome. Golf holes are also available to sponsor ($350 member/$450 non-member). 


For additional information, see page 8 or visit the association’s website aaspmn.org. You may also email the AASPMN office at aasp@aaspmn.org or call 612-623-1110.

Trophies were awarded to the first place and runner-up teams each night. They were: 

Monday, February 23 

  • First place – Gallagher 
  • Runner-up – LaMettry’s 
A group of people poses in an indoor go-kart facility after a race, with some seated in karts and others standing behind.

Tuesday, February 24 

  • First place – Wenzel Auto Electric 
  • Runner-up – Heppner’s #3 
A group of people standing behind three go-karts in an indoor facility.

Wednesday, February 25 

  • First place – DCTC - Mechanical 
  • Runner-up – Dunwoody - Collision 
A large group of people posing together inside an indoor go-kart racing facility, some wearing helmets and seated in karts.

Thursday, February 26 

  • First place – Lancer Service 
  • Runner-up – ACON Wheel Service 
A group of people stands in an indoor go-karting facility with three go-karts in the foreground.
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