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Dan Fuller, professor and automotive technology chair at Connecticut State Community College (CT State) Gateway, earned third place among professional automotive finalists in the U.S. Automotive Tech National Championship Driven by Yokohama finals, held September 12 in West Palm Beach, Florida.
An instructor looking underneath a car“We are incredibly proud of Dan for earning this prestigious award in such a competitive national event,” said CT State Gateway interim campus CEO Tom Coley, Ph.D. “This is a testament to his remarkable skills, dedication and passion for automotive education. His success reflects the high standards of excellence we aim for at CT State Gateway, and it inspires both our students and our broader community.”
To secure his spot in the championship, Fuller competed in two digital challenges and completed a hands-on, at-home kit, going head-to-head with professionals from across the country. Monthly selections, based on quiz scores and qualifying times, led Fuller to the finals for the second consecutive year as one of four top finalists.
During the championship in West Palm Beach, Fuller and the other professional finalists faced a surprise challenge that included servicing the braking and steering systems and performing specialized tire force -matching and balancing procedures. They were scored on speed and accuracy in completing the complex tasks.
Cars are raised from the ground in the garage.“I had two hours for what amounted to five hours worth of work,” said Fuller, who finished with just one minute remaining, and took home a $10,000 prize.
“I am very pleased and proud to have reached this level by competing against some of the best auto techs in the country,” said Fuller. “I wanted to prove that I can go against career technicians, and that you can become an educator, but still be a hands-on tech,” he added. “I hope my performance is an inspiration for my students.”
Fuller plans to celebrate his success by buying lunch for his second-year students , many of whom were following his progress throughout the competitions in 2023 and this year.
The championship will air in December on CBS Sports Network. To follow the championship on social and find out when to watch, head to www.usatnc.com. Fuller plans to have a watch party later on with his students so that they can break down his technique.
Fuller, a Southbury resident, has been with Gateway for 14 years and is an alumnus of Greater New Haven State Technical College (now known as Gateway).
Among his accomplishments, Fuller was one of only six people nationwide to be inducted into the inaugural Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) President’s Club in 2023, which honors those industry experts who have been certified in every one of ASE’s 53 certification areas. He was also named ASE/Motor Age Magazine’s “Technician of the Year” in 2012.
At Gateway, Fuller was named 2017 Faculty of the Year, where he has led enrollment growth for the automotive program. Prior to his academic career, he worked for General Motors Corporation for 20 years, bringing industry experience to his teaching. Fuller holds a bachelor’s degree from Excelsior College and attended Keller Graduate School of Management.
The U.S. Auto Tech National Championship Driven by Yokohama was created in 2021 to showcase the skills of auto technician professionals and students across the country, while elevating the awareness and importance of trade jobs across the globe. Winners receive more than $100,000 in cash and prizes, with the 2024 U.S. Auto Tech National Champion to be crowned during the CBS Sports Network broadcast.
CT State Gateway’s automotive program, sponsored by multiple auto manufacturers, offers students an education, specialized manufacturer training, and dealer sponsorship. With a focus on the latest technologies that simulate the dealership setting, students spend three days a week in a paid internship at a dealership and take classes two days a week at Gateway’s North Haven campus. For more information, email daniel.fuller@ctstate.edu.