Motortec 2026 launches “Show Off Your Gem” to highlight the talent of local mechanics
The initiative aims to bring together automotive projects from across the country through a process that includes expert selection and public voting, with the goal of showcasing the sector’s innovation and creativity.
Starting this Thursday, April 23, the “Show Off Your Gem” contest for Motortec Chile 2026 will begin. This event is designed for owners of vehicles that have been modified, restored, or customized in the last five years and who wish to be part of the country’s most important automotive aftermarket trade show.
The purpose of the contest is to highlight the talent of local mechanics. For this reason, the goal is to attract as many people as possible who own a vehicle with these characteristics, as they will have the chance to compete for a spot at a major event like Motortec.
The competition will consist of five stages. The first will begin on April 23 and end on May 10, during which participants can register their vehicle on the official Motortec website. Subsequently, between May 11 and 14, the pre-selection stage will take place, during which those who will be physically present at the fair will be chosen.
In this phase, Motortec’s collaborators and ambassadors will play a key role, as they will be the ones to select the finalists from among all the vehicles submitted. The judges will use criteria such as originality, investment in the vehicle, and the mechanic’s skill in modifying it, among others.
The finalists will be put to a public vote via social media to ultimately select the top 10 “gems” that will be on display at Motortec, June 18–20, at Espacio Riesco. The grand prize winner of the competition will be announced at the event’s closing ceremony.
This is an opportunity to recognize the work of the country’s professional auto mechanics. The fair, meanwhile, aims to be a key platform for promoting best practices among those in the automotive aftermarket industry, as well as attracting new audiences to the event.
The contest will allow for the participation of vehicles whose modifications are related to performance and mechanical changes, as well as those focused on aesthetics (wrapping and detailing) and the restoration of classic cars (restomod).
Simply by registering, participants will receive a coupon for free admission to the fair. Additionally, those who become finalists will be featured on social media during the event, with content dedicated specifically to them. Finally, the winners will receive an award at the closing ceremony.
“With this initiative, we want to highlight the talent that exists in Chile within the automotive aftermarket. This contest not only showcases the work of mechanics and specialists, but also connects the community with Motortec Chile 2026, inviting them to play an active role in the trade show. We aim to create an experience where innovation, creativity, and a passion for vehicles take center stage, both in the digital realm and at the final exhibition at Espacio Riesco,” said Carolina Sepúlveda, manager of Motortec Chile.
It is worth noting that the trade show is an event organized by IFEMA Madrid and FISA, part of the GL events Chile group, and aims to surpass the 8,000 visitors reached in 2025, an edition in which more than 150 exhibitors participated.
In addition to the competition, other activities will take place, such as the Technical Olympics, where students in fields related to the world of mechanics will demonstrate their talents. An International Forum will also be held, featuring discussions focused on the challenges facing the sector in the future.