Cox Automotive recently hosted its 2026 Top Tech Finals, bringing the top technicians from the company’s Cox Fleet and Manheim business units for an annual skills competition for technical excellence.

Nearly 900 technicians participated in the initial qualifier exam, then competitors went through five regional competitions throughout the U.S., competing in light/medium-duty, heavy-duty and trailer categories.

Thirty competitors advanced to Nashville, Tenn., for the finals, which included 30 written and hands-on stations testing knowledge, technical expertise and critical thinking.

They were evaluated in such categories as diagnostics, electrical systems, safety, service information, braking systems, customer service and emerging vehicle technologies.

The winners are as follows:

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

2026 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

 

“The talent showcased at Top Tech reflects the expertise that powers Manheim’s vehicle services business every day,” said Alan Lang, who is senior vice president of physical services and auctions at Cox Automotive, in a news release. “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.”

Patrick Brennan, Cox Fleet’s senior vice president, added: “The level of talent on display at this year’s Top Tech Finals was remarkable. 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.”