The automotive industry faces a challenge that doesn't get enough attention: a shortage of skilled technicians. As cars become more complex and experienced technicians retire, the gap between available expertise and demand grows wider. The Piston Foundation exists to address this challenge by funding scholarships for aspiring automotive technicians—and Pistons & Pizza is where this mission comes to life.
Co-hosted by Jimmy Repasi and Jordan Bochanis of PizzaCo Pizza Garage, Pistons & Pizza brings together car collectors, industry professionals, and enthusiasts who understand that the future of automotive craftsmanship depends on investing in the next generation. The event is more than a car gathering—it's a statement about the values that matter to our community.
What to Expect
Pistons & Pizza unfolds at PizzaCo Pizza Garage, our next-door neighbor on Stratford Avenue. The venue's garage theme provides an appropriate backdrop for an event celebrating automotive trades. Brick oven pizza—PizzaCo's specialty—keeps guests satisfied, while craft beers from Two Roads Brewing ensure refreshments match the quality of the food.
The evening begins with socializing around displayed vehicles, many belonging to collectors who support the Piston Foundation's mission. Peter Bush of Caffeine & Carburetors serves as MC, bringing his characteristic enthusiasm to the proceedings. The formal program includes remarks from foundation representatives and the announcement of scholarship recipients—young people whose automotive education the community has chosen to support.
Jimmy Repasi speaks about his own path through tech school education and how it laid the foundation for becoming the world's foremost Carrera GT specialist. His story illustrates what's possible when talent meets proper training, and why investing in education matters for the industry's future.
After the presentations, guests are invited next door for a tour of Repasi Motorwerks. Walking through the facility, seeing CGTs and other high-end vehicles in various stages of service, connects the evening's discussion about education with the reality of what skilled technicians can accomplish.
Why Repasi Motorwerks Participates
Jimmy's involvement with Pistons & Pizza and the Piston Foundation is deeply personal. He learned his craft through technical education—the Porsche Technical Apprentice Program built on earlier trade school foundations. Without that educational pathway, the expertise that allows him to service the world's most valuable CGTs wouldn't exist.
Co-hosting this event allows us to give back in a way that creates lasting impact. The scholarships funded through Piston Foundation events help young people access training they might otherwise not afford. Some of those scholarship recipients will go on to work at dealerships; others might start their own shops. A few might even specialize in particular marques, just as Jimmy specialized in the Carrera GT.
The automotive trade needs passionate people who take pride in their work. By supporting educational access, we're not just helping individual students—we're investing in the future quality of automotive service across the industry.
First-Timer's Guide to Porsche Events
Pistons & Pizza differs from typical car shows. The focus is on community and conversation rather than vehicle display, though notable cars are always present. If you're interested in the Piston Foundation's mission, or simply want to meet like-minded enthusiasts in an intimate setting, this event delivers.
The combination of excellent pizza, craft beer, and meaningful purpose creates an atmosphere conducive to genuine connection. You might find yourself discussing restoration challenges with a collector, learning about scholarship recipients' aspirations, or hearing Jimmy share stories from his career.
The tour of Repasi Motorwerks that follows the formal program offers a rare opportunity. Few shops open their doors this way, and seeing the facility in operation—even at the end of a workday—provides insight into what proper high-end automotive service looks like.
Come prepared to support the cause. The Piston Foundation relies on community generosity to fund its scholarships. Whether through direct donations, auction participation, or simply spreading the word about the foundation's work, your involvement helps ensure that talented young people can access automotive education.
Pistons & Pizza represents our commitment to the future of automotive craftsmanship. When we invest in education, we're ensuring that the next generation has the skills to maintain, restore, and appreciate these remarkable machines. We're proud to co-host this event with Jordan Bochanis and the PizzaCo team, and grateful to Peter Bush and the Piston Foundation for their leadership in addressing this critical need.
