Chevron Lubricants, San Ramon, Calif. maker of the Delo brand of technologically advanced engine oils, lubricants and coolants, has announced the finalists for its 2011 Delo Tractor Restoration Competition.
The event will bring the nation's top teen tractor restoration specialists to Indianapolis – during the 84th National FFA (Future Farmers of America) Convention – to compete for the much-sought-after national title. Twelve finalists from around the country have been chosen to compete in this year's event. Projects will be presented on October 19 and 20 with the champion crowned on the evening of October 20.
The Delo Tractor Restoration Competition offers some compelling stories that mix teen determination, community support, historic preservation and rural American values. High school aged FFA members from around the country submitted projects in hopes of making one of the twelve finalist spots. Five of the top twelve are from Texas, with others coming from Washington, Nebraska, Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Missouri.
All contestants to the Delo Tractor Restoration Competition have to present a workbook outlining the whole tractor restoration process, from mechanical overhauls of the engine, transmission and auxiliary and ancillary systems, to the external appearance of the tractors.
The 2011 entries have been narrowed down to twelve finalists. These finalists have been invited to the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis to present their projects to a panel of qualified tractor restorers. Projects will be graded on restoration process, results and documentation, as well as oral presentation and safety precautions.
The finalists and projects for the 2011 Delo Tractor Restoration Competition are:
Buckeye FFA: Medina, Ohio – 1954 Allis-Chalmers WD-45
Central City FFA: Central City, Nebraska – 1943 Model A John Deere
Decatur FFA: Decatur, Texas – 1936 John Deere Unstyled A
Devine FFA; Devine, Texas – 1969 Case 530
Eufaula FFA: Eufaula, Alabama – 1968 Massey Ferguson
Forreston FFA: Forreston, Illinois – 1941 IH Farmall H
Gonzales FFA: Gonzales, Texas – 1948 IH Farmall M
Lindsay FFA: Lindsay, Texas – 1937 Minneapolis Moline ZTU
Louise FFA: Louise, Texas – 1984 Hesston 566
Northwood FFA; Nappanee, Indiana – 1961 John Deere 4010 Diesel
Oran FFA: Oran, Missouri – 1946 Farmall
Sequim FFA: Sequim, Washington – 1954 Farmall, Super C
The prizes are:
Champion: $5,000
Reserve Champion: $3,000
Third Place: $1,500
Since 1995, the Delo Tractor Restoration Competition has rewarded the determination, mechanical skills and business savvy of high school aged FFA members from around the country. Through the restoration of an antique tractor, participants develop skills applicable to the modern business world. The skills needed for success in the program – equipment maintenance, teamwork, project management, budgeting, planning and marketing – help develop the participants into future leaders in the agriculture community.
"Dedication, perseverance and teamwork are extremely important in life and business," says Channing Reeder, indirect channel marketing specialist, Lubricants Marketing Americas, Chevron Products Company. "Being part of a program that encourages so many teens to exemplify these traits is very rewarding for everyone at Chevron. We congratulate all the 2011 Delo Tractor Restoration Competition finalists and the family, friends, teachers and community that helped them along the way."
Social media is a major part of the Delo Tractor Restoration Competition. The event is supported through a number of social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. The Delo Tractor Restoration Competition Facebook page and Twitter feed will be used to post pictures, video and status updates live from the event. Videos from the 2011 Delo Tractor Restoration Competition submissions – as well as past years – can be found on the event's YouTube channel. For those who can't attend, these social media channels are the next best thing. To access Delo Tractor Restoration Competition updates online, go to: www.DeloTractorRestorationCompetition.com).
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