The sun over Nałęczów shone like a spotlight on stage, and the hot September weather perfectly matched the intensity of emotions at the Arche Hotel. September 5–7 – these dates will long be remembered by the best mechanics from all over Poland. That was when the Grand Final of AP EXPERT, Auto Partner’s flagship project, took place – the event that each year crowns the best of the best.
Friday – theory without compromise
From the very first day, it was clear: this would be no ordinary competition. The Grand Theoretical Final was conducted with the precision of a Swiss watch and went smoothly without the slightest disruption. Notably, among the finalists was also one woman – a strong reminder that in the automotive world, skills matter, not stereotypes.
Saturday at dawn – the thrill begins
At 7 a.m., the hotel lobby was already buzzing with excitement. The results of the theoretical exam raised the stakes – only the top scorers would advance to the practical finals.
Two battlefields awaited the finalists:
- Grand Practical Final – challenges prepared by: Auto Partner, ZF, MaXgear, febi, Bosch.
- Small Practical Final – competitions from: Auto Partner, Quaro, Continental, ATE, MEYLE.
On top of that, an unexpected twist appeared – skill-based tasks that proved the final wasn’t just about knowledge and experience, but also reflexes and working under time pressure.
Adrenaline outdoors
While the finalists faced technical challenges, the remaining participants also got their share of thrills. They tested themselves both at a professional shooting range and during an off-road adventure near Kazimierz Dolny. Picturesque trails, plenty of dust, and regional cuisine for lunch – integration at its finest.
The Gala – a spectacle worthy of Hollywood
After a day full of emotions, it was time for the grand awards gala. The audience was swept away by the rhythm of a DRUM SHOW performed by Natalia Krząkała. This year, the title of Best in the AP EXPERT competition went to Rafał Piskorz – Vehicle Mechanic. The winner received not only well-deserved applause but also the keys to a brand-new Kia XCeed.
One of the gala’s biggest hits was the “Game of Maluch” hosted by the charismatic Ireneusz Bieleninik. The winning table earned a special prize – a Cobi brick model of the iconic “Maluch” car – and the shared fun and rivalry sparked waves of laughter and excitement.
Just when it seemed the emotions had reached their peak, Marek Posłuszny, four-time World Flair Bartending Champion, took the stage. His show was pure magic – glass stunts at a circus level! Later, a DJ took over, keeping the party alive until the very last guest left the dance floor.
Epilogue
The final in Nałęczów proved that the automotive industry is more than workshop reality – it’s passion, knowledge, and people who can compete at the highest level and then celebrate together. AP EXPERT 2025 goes down in history as an event full of adrenaline, emotions, and unforgettable memories.
What will the next edition bring? One thing is certain – the bar has been set very high.
Partners of this year’s AP EXPERT edition:
Strategic Partners: MaXgear, Bosch, Quaro, ATE, Continental, febi, Blue Print, MEYLE, ZF, Lemförder, Sachs, TRW
Main Partners: ROOKS, Castrol, Schaeffler (LuK, INA, FAG), Delphi, KYB, Philips, Narva, NGK, NTK, VARTA, NRF, RYMEC, SKF, Textar, Total Energies, Elf, Valeo, OSRAM, AS, Pierburg, Kolbenschmidt, MANN, Magneti Marelli, Motul, PSH, Moje Auto
The initiative is supported by the MaXserwis and MaXserwis Premium Motul workshop networks.