Youth Automotive Challenge

Youth Automotive Challenge

August 7&8, 2026

Presented by

ADDITIONAL SPONSORS

The Hot August Nights Foundation is teaming up with several of our automotive industry partners to challenge youth under 24 to show off their vehicle expertise for an opportunity to win cash awards.

The competition is team format with a maximum of four individuals.

Judging is based on automotive-related projects with scoring based on design, functionality, creativity, originality, and a heavy emphasis on presentation and interaction with the judges.  

 

Team Prizes Include:

  • Grand Prize $5,000 
  • 2nd Place $3,000
  • 3rd Place $2,000 

Additional sponsor gifts and certificates may be awarded.

Schedule

Friday, August 7 from 10 AM to 11:30 AM:
Registered teams are invited to a VIP meet and greet to talk with industry leaders and national sponsors to learn about their businesses.

Saturday, August 8 from 8 AM to 10 AM, National Automobile Museum patio off of Lake St:
Teams arrive and setup their projects.  Teams must be ready to present at 10 AM.

 Saturday, August 8 from 10 AM to 1 PM, National Automobile Museum patio off of Lake St: Teams present their projects to the judges. Judges will award prizes to the first three teams.  Presentation details will be provided to all registered teams in advance.

Saturday, August 8, 2 PM:
Winners announced from the Old Reno Arch on Lake St. between 1st & Mill St (near the national Automobile Museum and Renaissance Hotel).

Rules

  • All team members must be under 24. (Maximum of four (4) team members) 
  • Teams must submit a summary of their project including a short video or overview.
  • Project must be automotive related. 
  • Projects can be assembled at the venue or provide documentation including video and photography documenting the project from start to finish. 
  • Teams will be given a working area to work on and display your project. 
  • All team members (maximum of four) must sign a marketing waiver. 
  • Team members should focus on judging areas including presentation of project during the competition and interaction with the judges.
  • Prizes will be awarded directly to the winners. 

APPLY HERE TO JOIN THE Challenge