Calling All Contenders: Jump in the Ring at the Second Annual Bodywork Bowl!

by Chasidy Rae Sisk

Do you believe you’re the “heavy-weight champion” of estimating, painting or welding? Well, now’s your chance to step into the ring to prove your mettle at the Second Annual Bodywork Bowl Collision Repair Skills Competition, taking place all weekend long at NORTHEAST® 2024!

Contenders will face off to test their skills against one another for a chance to win a “purse” of $500 cash and other great prizes…plus bragging rights. 

“From young to old, newcomers to seasoned professionals – and everyone in between, no matter their level of experience – we all claim to be the best. Well, in order to be the best, you have to beat the best! So, come climb into the Bodywork Bowl ring to go toe-to-toe with other top collision professionals and show everyone what you’ve got!” AASP/NJ Collision Chairman Jerry McNee (Ultimate Collision Repair; Edison) challenges last year’s champions and potential upstarts who could swoop in to take the gold, silver or bronze place winnings. 

The inaugural Bodywork Bowl in 2023 brought the crowd to its feet as cheers could be heard around the show floor for the 60-plus competitors who duked it out for the right to be called “the best.” This year, the competition will be thrilling for both competitors and spectators with booth #649 offering ringside seats of the welding, estimating and virtual painting arenas.

Jill Tuggle, executive director of the Auto Body Association of Texas (ABAT), whose Texas Auto Body Trade Show Big Shots Competition was the inspiration for NORTHEAST’s contest, will again be coordinating the competition to ensure everyone has a fighting chance. 

“It’s always exciting to celebrate the amazing technicians, painters and estimators who work so hard in their facilities every single day, and the NORTHEAST Bodywork Bowl offers a fun way for those industry professionals to square off to prove they’re the best at what they do,” Tuggle says. “So, if you think you’re one of the best of the best (or even if you’re just curious to see how you stack up against those elite repairers, painters and estimators), sign up now and be ready to come out swinging!”

AASP/NJ is grateful to the multiple vendors taking part in the Second Annual Bodywork Bowl by sponsoring materials, equipment and prizes.

Ding ding ding!

Match 1: Estimators go toe-to-toe to write the most detailed repair plan possible on a 2016 Honda Accord using CCC-sponsored estimating equipment.

Match 2: Body techs square off to apply seam sealer and demonstrate their welding talents on equipment sponsored by Car-O-Liner, Chief Automotive/Collision Equipment Consulting, Solidus Equipment and Spanesi Americas.

Match 3: Painters give it the old one-two punch as they spray panels and demonstrate blending techniques with the use of virtual spray booths and guns, sponsored by AkzoNobel.

“As a Gold Level Sponsor, AkzoNobel’s technical consultants will be participating in the Bodywork Bowl with our virtual spray unit. We are also bringing Dave Kindig from MotorTrend TV’s Bitchin’ Rides along with us, so you never know – he might foster a little healthy competition!” shares Jen Poliski (AkzoNobel). “It is fun to hold these competitions to keep the engagement and excitement level high with folks coming out to NORTHEAST. AkzoNobel also enjoys talking to participants while they are competing in the Bodywork Bowl.”

Winners will be selected by a team of high-profile industry experts and announced on Sunday, March 17 at 11:30am during the NORTHEAST Bodywork Bowl Collision Repair Skills Competition Awards Ceremony.

AASP/NJ President Ken Miller (821 Collision; North Haledon) encourages estimators, painters and body men to throw their hat in the ring: “Put your skills to the test at the Second Annual Bodywork Bowl during NORTHEAST 2024! Top technicians from the area are gearing up to showcase their talents in a friendly competition, all vying for the prestigious title of the best in the land. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an emerging technician, the Bodywork Bowl is an event not to be missed. See you there!”

Get your name on the Bodywork Bowl 2024 “card” and showcase your expert “body work” by registering now at aaspnjnortheast.com/events or sign up in person at the show!

Want more? Check out the March 2024 issue of New Jersey Automotive!