How It All Started
Empire Motorsports kicked off in May of 2017 in North Smithfield, RI. Back then, it was just me—TJ Yacino—and my business partner at the time, Matt Rothrock. We shared a passion for motorsports and were driven to create a shop that blended high-end expertise with the kind of personalized service only a small business can offer. From day one, that mix of attention to detail and dealership-quality work really clicked with our customers.
A Shift in Direction
After two years in business, it became clear that Matt and I had different ideas about where the shop was headed. In 2019, I decided to buy him out and take over full operations. It was a big step, but one that allowed me to shape Empire Motorsports into the shop I always envisioned—one that puts quality, honesty, and customer experience first.
My Background in the Trade
My path into the automotive world started at Blackstone Valley Tech, where I trained in the Auto Shop program. After that, I attended MassBay Community College and completed the Toyota T-TEN program. During my time there, I worked at Lexus of Northborough through a co-op and stayed on after earning my associate’s degree in Automotive Technologies. That foundation gave me both the technical skills and the customer-first mindset that still guides me today.
Meet the Team
We’ve got an awesome crew here. Josh, our main car tech, comes from a family full of mechanics and spends his weekends racing in autocross events. Dave, our lead bike tech, graduated from MTTI and loves riding his Aprilia sport bike and modifying his C7 Corvette. Leanna, our service advisor, is the newest face in the shop. Even though she just joined the team, she brings over five years of experience in the service industry and has already become a huge help to our customers.
Life Outside the Shop
When I’m not in the garage, you’ll probably find me outdoors—riding my dirt bike, casting a line, or hanging with my family. My son just turned seven, and it’s been a blast sharing those outdoor adventures with him.
Why Customers Keep Coming Back
At Empire Motorsports, we offer more than just repairs—we offer peace of mind. Our customers love that we bring dealership-level tools and experience without losing that personal touch. We’re passionate about what we do, and we treat every vehicle like it’s our own.