Cox Automotive recently hosted its 2026 Top Tech Finals in Nashville, Tennessee, bringing together top technicians from Cox Fleet and Manheim for the company's annual skills competition recognizing technical excellence across the organization.

This year's competition began with nearly 900 technicians participating in the initial qualifier exam.

Over the following months, competitors advanced through five regional competitions held across the country, competing in Light/Medium-Duty, Heavy-Duty, and Trailer categories. The top technicians from each region ultimately earned a place among the 30 finalists who advanced to Nashville. 

Finalists Faced 30 Challenges

At the finals, competitors were challenged across 30 written and hands-on stations designed to test the depth of knowledge, technical expertise, and critical thinking required in today's technician profession.

Competitors were evaluated across a wide range of disciplines, including diagnostics, electrical systems, safety, service information, braking systems, customer service and emerging vehicle technologies. 

"The level of talent on display at this year's Top Tech Finals was remarkable," said Patrick Brennan, Cox Fleet's senior vice president. "Across every challenge, competitors demonstrated the skill, professionalism, and commitment to excellence that help our customers keep their fleets moving every day. I'm incredibly proud of this year's competitors and the passion they bring to their craft."

Overall Winners

Light/Medium Duty

• Winner: AJ Snyder, Manheim
• Runner-Up: Tyler Wright, Manheim

Heavy Duty

• Winner: Jonathan Kelly, Cox Fleet
• Runner-Up: Jeff Nichols, Cox Fleet

Trailer

• Winner: Dillon Grimes, Cox Fleet
• Runner-Up: Bud Haney, Cox Fleet

Winners Move on to TMC SuperTech

Winners will have the opportunity to compete against other industry technicians at the nationwide American Trucking Associations' TMC SuperTech competition in Pittsburgh this September.  

"The talent showcased at Top Tech reflects the expertise that powers Manheim's vehicle services business every day," said Alan Lang, senior vice president of Physical Services and Auctions at Cox Automotive. "Our technicians play a critical role in delivering the quality, consistency, and service our clients expect. I'm incredibly proud of this year's competitors, whose dedication demonstrates why Manheim continues to be a trusted partner across the wholesale marketplace."

Top Tech Results Station Winners

• Safety & Environmental — AJ Snyder, Manheim
• Light Service Information — Matt Screnci, Manheim
• Trailer Service Information — Dillon Grimes, Cox Fleet
• Heavy Service Information — Evan Bailey, Cox Fleet
• Light Wiring Diagrams — Juan Rojas, Manheim
• Trailer Wiring Diagrams — Dillon Grimes, Cox Fleet
• Heavy Wiring Diagrams — Evan Bailey, Cox Fleet
• Fasteners — Bud Haney, Cox Fleet
• Precision Measuring — Michael Hayes, Cox Fleet
• Light Networking — Michael Hayes, Cox Fleet
• Light ADAS — Matt Screnci, Manheim
• Light EV High Voltage Systems — Keith McNair, Manheim
• Heavy EV High Voltage Systems — Jeff Nichols, Cox Fleet
• Light Charging System — AJ Snyder, Manheim
• Truck Lighting Systems — OJ Rohrbough, Cox Fleet
• Trailer Lighting Systems — Bud Haney, Cox Fleet
• Truck Cam Brakes — Evan Bailey, Cox Fleet
• Truck Disc Brake — Emiliano Ulloa, Cox Fleet
• Trailer Disc Brakes — Cory Crumpton, Cox Fleet
• Trailer Cam Brakes — Dillon Grimes, Cox Fleet
• Trailer Alignment — Bud Haney, Cox Fleet
• Trailer Wheel Ends — Dillon Grimes, Cox Fleet
• Truck Wheel Ends — Mike Colt, Cox Fleet
• Heavy Aftertreatment — Cameron Dozanti, Cox Fleet
• L-1 Engine Performance — Keith McNair, Manheim
• Heavy Duty Written — Jonathan Kelly, Cox Fleet
• Light Duty Written — AJ Snyder, Manheim
• Trailer Written — Matt Allison, Cox Fleet
• National Automobile Auction Association — David Logalbo, Manheim
• Fleet Customer Service — Cameron Dozanti, Cox Fleet