CRC Industries Raises $100K for TechForce Foundation Scholarships
CRC Industries has announced in a recent press release that its hydrogen-powered 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air sold for $100,000 at auction to benefit TechForce Foundation.
The car was the featured charity vehicle at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction on Jan. 21, 2026. Built for the company’s Build for the Future scholarship initiative, the full vehicle hammer price will benefit TechForce Foundation.
The winning bidder was Devin Smith, owner of Southern Elite Contracting, Inc., a general contracting firm with nine locations across the Southeast and more than 500 employees working in the skilled trades, in jobs including framing, electrical, HVAC, flooring, and painting. Smith raised the final bid from $80,000 to $100,000.
“When the bidding reached $80,000, I felt a strong personal conviction to push it further to support this important mission,” said Smith. “My wife has been a teacher for 21 years and my business relies on skilled tradespeople every day. This purchase allows us to combine our love of classic cars with our calling to be good stewards, while supporting education.”
The 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air features a hydrogen-fueled 5.7-liter Gen 3 HEMI V8 engine, built by Mike Copeland, CEO of Arrington Performance, and paired with an Edelbrock 2650 supercharger to deliver 500 horsepower. Additional upgrades include a TCI automatic transmission, power steering, power brakes, air conditioning, and a custom red-and-black interior.
Bidding was intensified by NHRA Top Fuel world champion Clay Millican who acted as vehicle spokesperson on the block and, together with Jeff and Jeffrey Lutz of Lutz Race Cars, was a builder of the vehicle. Millican contributed one of his racing firesuits to the auction package to entice higher bids.
“Reaching $100,000 at Barrett-Jackson validates the vision behind the Build for the Future initiative,” said Len Mazzanti, CEO of CRC Industries. “The 1957 Bel Air was a labor of love for our team and our partners. Now, its impact will extend beyond the auction block, with every dollar supporting student access to training that will help to close the skilled technician shortage.”
The Build for the Future scholarship will award financial support to 10 students pursuing technical school education—five scholarships for automotive trades and five for industrial or welding careers. Of these scholarships, three are awarded to women. Each recipient is guaranteed a minimum of $2,500, with the possibility of up to $8,000, depending on auction proceeds. When an auction exceeds $80,000, excess funds are donated to TechForce Foundation to provide additional scholarships.
“Everyone at TechForce Foundation is deeply grateful for the outcome of the 1957 Bel Air at Barrett-Jackson and for the leadership CRC Industries demonstrates through its Build for the Future initiative,” said Jennifer Maher, CEO of TechForce Foundation. “This funding is critical; it will support more than 10 scholarships and provide students with access to training, tools and industry connections that prepare them for the in-demand skilled trade roles that keep America running.”