New York Technician Wins Petty’s Garage Resto-mod Camaro

Martin Koschik, a technician at J and J Automotive in Rhinebeck, New York, won the grand prize in MAHLE‘s Drive With the Original promotion. Koschik won a resto-mod Petty’s Garage 1968 Camaro RS, given away during the first day of the AAPEX show.

Richard Petty, was on hand to present each of the finalists with the opportunity to draw a key from his signature Charlie One Horse cowboy hat, one of which unlocked the doors of the resto-mod, 625 HP Camaro RS.

“I never imagined a scenario where my key would actually turn when I put it in the lock. I put the key in, and when it turned, I knew instantly that my life had changed forever,” Koschik said. “When it got down to just me and one other finalist to see whose key would unlock the door, I thought, ‘Holy Cow!’ I actually asked if I didn’t win, could I just keep the key I had picked! It was just so exciting to be a part of such a special event, and I just want to thank everyone at MAHLE for making this possible.”

Koschik joined J and J Automotive, a shop that does general repair on both domestic and imported cars, three years ago after having been a computer repairman for IBM. When he returned to the shop after winning the Camaro, Koschik says the reaction of his fellow technicians was unusual. “They just ignored me, acted like nothing had happened. Of course, it was just a joke.”