A follow up on Teen Tractor Restoration

In Season 2 we profiled a group of young women who took on a restoration challenge...and did great! Here's an update on this year's competition...

SAN RAMON, CALIF., October 20, 2011 – Chevron Lubricants, maker of the Delo^® brand of technologically advanced engine oils, lubricants and coolants, today crowned Ryan Haass of the Devine FFA Champion of the 2011 Delo Tractor Restoration Competition (www.DeloTractorRestorationCompetition.com) for his restoration of a 1969 Case 530. The Devine, Texas contestant was one of twelve finalists invited to Indianapolis to participate in this year’s competition. The national event, which delivers the most coveted title in teen tractor restoration, took place during the 84^th National FFA Convention in Indianapolis this week. As Champion, Ryan Haass of the Devine FFA receives a $5,000 prize.

Eufaula FFA of Eufaula, Alabama was voted Reserve Champion for its restoration of a 1968 Massey Ferguson and received a prize of $3,000. Third place was awarded to Gonzales FFA of Gonzales, Texas for its restoration of a 1948 IH Farmall M, receiving $1,500. All remaining finalists received $250.

“The Delo Tractor Restoration Competition has the ability to inspire kids to do things they may never have done, or even thought possible,” said Channing Reeder, indirect channel marketing specialist, Lubricants Marketing Americas, Chevron Products Company. “The program encourages participants to interact with their teachers, advisors, family, friends and community and provides them with experiences they can draw upon in their future careers. Being involved with a program that inspires kids to ask questions, interact, learn, and in the end accomplish the incredible, is something Chevron and its Delo brand are very proud of. Although we can only crown one winner, we salute all the competitors for their incredible work.”

The 12 finalists for the 2011 Delo Tractor Restoration Competition were:

· 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

About The Delo Tractor Restoration Competition

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.

All entrants to the Delo Tractor Restoration Competition are required to submit a workbook detailing the entire tractor restoration process, from mechanical overhauls of the engine, transmission and auxiliary and ancillary systems, to the external appearance of the tractors. The 12 finalists were invited to the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis to present their projects to a panel of five professional tractor restorers. Projects were graded on restoration process, results and documentation, as well as oral presentation and safety precautions.