Question 1

I signed up & received my confirmation email, now what?

Accepted Answer

When you arrive at PDR Expo, come check in at the Dent Competition area. We will confirm your arrival & let you know when to come back based on your competition time.

Question 2

What happens if I’m late for my scheduled time?

Accepted Answer

If you are late, you lose that amount of time. If you are more than 30 minutes late, you forfeit & will not receive a refund.

Question 3

How often are contestants competing?

Accepted Answer

Contestants are scheduled every 2 hours for the Dent Trails.

Question 4

Do I need to bring my own tools?

Accepted Answer

You can bring your tools if you like, but you can also borrow tools from vendors at the show. Make plans with vendors before your competition time. We do provide lights & stands, window guards, window wedges, glue guns, glue, various tabs, slide hammers, mini lifters, and polish & towels for you to use. Anything else you need, you provide.

Question 5

How much time do I get?

Accepted Answer

For Dent Trails, you get 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete in removing a dent from crease dent in fender, round dent in door, and glue pull dent in rail.

Question 6

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Accepted Answer

Yes: no sanding, no heat, and no coaching. If you are caught doing any of these, you will be immediately disqualified, and no refund will be given.

Question 7

Does set up & break down time come out of my competition time?

Accepted Answer

No, you will have 10 minutes to set up and 5 minutes to break down that does not come out of your competition time.

Question 8

When should I arrive on the day of my competition time?

Accepted Answer

We ask that you arrive at least 10 minutes before your start time. If you are more than 30 minutes late for your competition time, you forfeit the time missed and you will not be refunded.

Question 9

How are the Dent Trials Judged?

Accepted Answer

Contestants will receive a 10-minute warning as their time is expiring.  Contestants may stop & call their dent complete at any time if they finish before time has expired.  Judging will begin when the dent is complete and/ or time is up. Dents will receive preliminary judging by the competition moderators immediately upon completion of the dent. A final judging will be done at the finish of the competition by a separate panel of judges.

Question 10

When will I find out who won?

Accepted Answer

Awards & prizes will be announced at the end of the show on Saturday.

Question 11

Are there prizes for the winners?

Accepted Answer

The top three winners will receive a trophy and prizes from our vendors. The first-place winner of the Dent Trails will receive hotel and entry into the Dent Olympics at 2026 MTE Expo in Orlando.

Ready to take the challenge?

Frequently Asked Questions