Morro Bay High School’s Automotive Technology Program recently completed a high-impact weekend of learning, community engagement, and competitive motorsports success across two events: the Cruisin’ Morro Bay Car Show and Round 3 of the Santa Maria Karting Association race series. The weekend began at the Cruisin’ Morro Bay Car Show, where students contributed directly to […]

MORRO BAY, CA — October 12, 2025 — Copeland Wimmer, a 3rd-grade student at Del Mar Elementary School, raced his way onto the podium in his very first go-kart competition at the Santa Maria Karting Association event held at the Santa Maria Airport Kart Track. Not only did he finish on the podium, but he […]

Morro Bay, CA – 8/29/25 – Advanced Automotive Technology students at Morro Bay High School demonstrated quick thinking and real-world application of their training this morning when they spotted smoke and flames in the brush behind the auto shop during their 3rd period class. The students, who receive regular instruction on fire safety by their […]

Our Shop’s Legacy from 1964 to Today When our shop opened its doors in 1964, Morro Bay had just incorporated as a city. In fact, we were the 7th business license ever issued here, and the very first dedicated auto repair shop in San Luis Obispo County—separate from dealerships and gas stations. Our facility was […]

The ShopOwner Mentorship Award presented by NAPA recognizes those who mentor and foster young talent through partnerships. The entries continue to pour in, and we’re excited to showcase two more amazing mentors as part of the ongoing The ShopOwner Mentorship Award – Sponsored by NAPA.  In partnership with NAPA, ShopOwner, the Babcox Media brand serving professional independent automotive shop […]

By Doug Kaufman For Ritchie Wimmer, owner of Wimmer’s Automotive, a NAPA Auto Care Center in Morro Bay, CA, shop success isn’t simply found in the shop. While it’s true that Wimmer juggles multiple successful automotive-related ventures, he says that getting out from underneath the car has literally saved his life – and changed the […]

It was the fall of 2002, and my long and lonely summer was finally coming to an end. I had no friends or family near me, and I was living alone in my grandparents’ old house, 70 miles away from my real home in the mountains. For several weeks, I spent each afternoon watching TV […]

Business Spotlight: Welcome to the FAM! We’re excited to have two local, family-run businesses join our recurring giving program, FAM (Financial Assistance Monthly). FAM allows you to give on an ongoing, monthly basis at any amount you wish. And every monthly contribution supports the most urgent and ongoing needs of those in our care like […]

Ritchie Wimmer’s career is a compelling blend of oil-stained hands, personal growth, and a powerful sense of purpose. Known as the owner of Wimmer’s Automotive in Morro Bay, CA, Wimmer is also a standout auto tech teacher and mentor at Morro Bay High School. But his path to the classroom wasn’t a straight line—it was […]

Top-Rated Service Award Based on Verified Customer Ratings Wimmer’s Automotive & Hybrid Repair & Smog has earned the distinction of being named a 2024 CARFAX Top-Rated Service Center. This is the fifth year that CARFAX is celebrating service centers around the country for their exceptional customer service, based on verified customer reviews. The 2024 CARFAX […]