RPM Foundation

08/19/2026

The Great Race was a truly special opportunity for our RPM apprentices, giving them the chance to step outside the shop and experience the automotive community on Route 66!

We’re grateful to everyone who supported our apprentices throughout the journey and helped make this experience possible.

07/29/2026

According to the Alliance for America's Skilled Trades, an estimated 2.1 million skilled trades jobs could go unfilled by 2030.

At RPM Foundation, we're helping close that gap by connecting young people with hands-on experiences, apprenticeships, and mentorships in automotive restoration. Every apprentice, mentor, and shop we support helps preserve automotive history while building meaningful careers for the future.

Whether you're a student, restoration shop, or industry supporter, there's a place for you in this mission.

Learn more and get involved at RPMFoundation.org.


https://fortune.com/2026/07/21/blackrock-ford-google-carhartt-skilled-trades-alliance/

Ford, Carhartt, BlackRock and Google have created the Alliance for America’s Skilled Trades, as 2.1 million jobs could go unfilled by 2030.

07/16/2026

We’re back from the 2026 Great Race!

What an incredible journey for our RPM Foundation apprentices. From navigating thousands of miles alongside their mentors to overcoming challenges on the road, this adventure was filled with teamwork, collaboration, and unforgettable memories. Here’s a look back at the experience that helped shape the next generation of automotive restoration professionals.

06/20/2026

Follow along with the RPM Team, piloting Tiffany the Toronado!

06/19/2026

We’ve officially received the course instructions for the Trophy Run, Stage 0, and our apprentices are putting in the work. From rally school training to guidance from RPM support mentor Mike Berry, the team is sharpening their skills and getting race-ready.

06/18/2026

We’re one step closer to hitting the road for the greatracerally! Today, the team wrapped up car decals, passed inspections, and connected with fellow racers as Great Race festivities got underway. Next up: another exciting day of before the official start of the journey along Route 66!

06/11/2026

RPM Foundation Apprentice Argy is getting ready for the Great Race, check out a few quick facts from her as she gets set for the adventure!

06/06/2026

Congratulations to Michael Donnelly of Paddock Classic Car Restorations, recipient of the 2026 RPM Restorer’s Award at Greenwich Concours.

Michael’s journey began learning the craft from his father and continues today through his commitment to mentoring the next generation of restorers. From training young technicians to preserving valuable restoration knowledge, Michael and his team exemplify what the RPM Restorer’s Award is about.

The award-winning restoration showcased at this year’s Concours was a beautifully restored 1974 De Tomaso Pantera GTS, completed by the talented team at Paddock Classic Car Restorations.

06/04/2026

Meet the machine that will carry RPM Foundation across Route 66 during the Great Race.

Our 1976 Oldsmobile Toronado Brougham is back & more than a vintage car! It is preservation in motion. Over the next several weeks, apprentices and mentors will prepare this historic vehicle for thousands of miles across America’s Mother Road.

05/28/2026

This year’s RPM Restorer’s Award presented at the Sandhills Motoring Expo was awarded to Clay Sletzer of Datsun House in Gastonia, North Carolina, for his exceptional craftsmanship, passion for preservation, and commitment to mentoring others entering the trade. Nominated by shop owner Jack Weaver, Clay was recognized for his work on a beautifully restored 1977 Datsun 280Z.

What made this recognition especially meaningful was seeing a young shop owner carrying forward not just the cars, but the skills, knowledge, and culture behind them. From expanding into a new shop space to taking on exciting new projects, the future looks bright for Clay and the Datsun House team. Congratulations!