Legacy in the Making: Inspiring Youth to Build the Cars of Tomorrow

Passing the Torch Inspiring Tomorrow’s Car Builders

I guess we are just getting to that stage of life. That stage where we start to ponder what things will look like once the next generation takes the torch from us (that’s mostly Rob, though; he’s the old guy). The automotive industry as a whole is already in a transitional phase, trying to adopt new tech while somehow also maintaining what makes the art of automotive stay the art of automotive. There are over a hundred years of legacy and tradition that our industry is built on. Right now, more than ever, is the time to ensure we engage the youth in the automotive aftermarket. We need them to remember where we came from while also looking ahead to where we are going.

I can remember growing up, watching my dad and brother work on my brother’s ’50s Willys, just waiting for my turn to do the same. However, when I turned 13, rather than jumping into fixing cars, I was fixated on tech. I started buying broken iPhones and fixing them, eventually turning my hobby into a full-time job. I was definitely more interested in the tech in my pocket than in the tech under the hood.

Whether it’s your own kid, your niece or nephew, or the neighbor kid down the street, it is our time to build that bridge and get the next generation excited about car building.

Fast forward to 2024, and I have developed a deep appreciation for cars and the automotive industry. I wish I had taken the time to build that old pickup we used to drive by on the side of the road when I was growing up. That being said, we have this unique opportunity in 2024—an opportunity to embrace the evolution of vehicle technology to engage the next generation of car builders. Whether today’s kids are into tech or cars, we have the chance to capture their attention and challenge them with car building. Modern powertrain technology encompasses a variety of career pathway skills, including mechanical energy, electrical engineering, automotive technology, software programming, energy systems, industrial design, battery technology, and more. No matter what career path kids are excited about, they can find a way to apply what they will learn in building an EV to their own interests and passions.

Whether it’s your own kid, your niece or nephew, or the neighbor kid down the street, it is our time to build that bridge and get the next generation excited about car building. If that means you have to drop the LS6 you bought for the C10 you’ve been building for the last five years and pick up a ReVolt motor because your son wants more torque… you may just need to do it. If that’s you, hit up Rob ‘cuz he’s got some experience with that scenario.

ABOUT ROB AND MAV

Rob and Mavrick are the co-founders of Legacy EV, an aftermarket EV parts supplier and training provider. Rob is a lifelong gearhead converted to EV enthusiast because of the performance that the powertrain provides, while Mav has been driving EVs since they only had a 72-mile range (a bit of an early adopter you could say). Together they bring the yin and yang of hype and realism, burn-outs and earth-day parades, that help Legacy EV be the industry leader that it is today.