MINNEAPOLIS The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers, Minnesota (AASP-MN) recently raised more than $7,000 in its 2013 fundraising campaign to support the AASP-MN Automotive Education Fund. The majority of that money was raised at the association’s annual Race for Automotive Education, held Jan.15-16 at ProKart Indoors, Burnsville, and will fund scholarships for automotive students enrolled in NATEF-certified mechanical and collision repair programs in Minnesota.
During the course of the two-night event, 105 racers tore up the track in state-of-the-art European karts, reaching speeds of nearly 40 miles per hour. Many fans and spectators were also on-hand to cheer their teams on. Twenty-one teams of mechanical and collision repair shops and industry suppliers were represented.
Trophies were awarded to the first place and runner-up teams. The victors were:
Tuesday, Jan. 15
First Place Wenzel Auto Electric, Mankato
Runner Up Lake Marion Collision, Lakeville
Wednesday, Jan. 16
First Place Factory Motor Parts, Eagan
Runner Up ABRA Auto Body, Brooklyn Center
“Members use this event as an opportunity for team-building, and at the same time raise money for a very worthy cause,” said Judell Anderson, AASP-MN executive director. “Everybody had a blast!”
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 $129,000 has been distributed directly to students enrolled in automotive programs through the association’s scholarship program and SkillsUSA participation.