NJ CAR sponsored two students/technicians in the National Automotive Technical Competition held at the Jacob Javits Center by the Greater New York Auto Dealer Association on April 17-19, 2017. This year’s NJ CAR team, designated “Team Mercedes,” was comprised of Jeff Gruchacz and Todd Gruchacz, both seniors at Hunterdon County Polytech in Flemington.
Mercedes Benz of Flemington, owned by Robert Greces, volunteered Service Manager Chris Squarcia, and Shop Foreman Pete Thibault to work with the students for nearly six hours per week (for six weeks), to prepare them for the competition. The hard work paid off as the Coalition’s team finished in 4th place, the best finish ever for an NJ CAR team.
Polytech instructor Chris Scheuerman, and NJ CAR Field Service Coordinator Mark McAleer oversaw their preparation for the event and were both on-hand for the competition.
Through more than six hours of competition, encompassing all areas of vehicle repair, Jeff and Todd were given the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to diagnose and repair against 30 other teams from across the country.
NJ CAR congratulates Jeff, Todd, and Chris on a job well done and thanks Robert, Chris, Pete and the rest of Mercedes Benz of Flemington for their support!