INDIANAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Chevron Products Company, a Chevron U.S.A. Inc. division, maker of the Delo® brand of technologically advanced engine oils, lubricants and coolants, selected Austin Haywood of Hastings FFA in Hastings, MI for its 2016 Delo Tractor Restoration Competition Grand Champion, during the 21st year of the annual competition. The event brought the nation’s top high school tractor restoration project finalists to Indianapolis, IN to compete for the national title during the 89th National Future Farmers of America (FFA) Convention this week.
Austin was named the 2016 Grand Champion for his restoration of a 1957 Farmall 350 Diesel a year after finishing as Reserve Champion for his restoration of a 1954 Farmall Super MTA. The third member of his family to be named to the finals of the Delo Tractor Restoration Competition, Austin is joined by his older brother, Ethan, who was named 2014 Reserve Champion, and younger brother Devin, who was named a finalist in this year’s competition.
“Being named as Reserve Champion last year was honor itself,” said Haywood. “However, I challenged myself to come back and win the competition this year by improving on my entry last year and it’s such a thrill that all my hard work paid off.”
Austin was awarded $10,000 as Delo Grand Champion. The Delo Reserve Champion award for the competition was given to Drake Davis of Southmont FFA in Crawfordsville, IN, who received $5,000. Carson Rose of El Campo FFA in El Campo, TX took third place and received a prize of $3,000.
The 2016 entries were narrowed down to 12 finalists who presented their projects to a panel of four seasoned tractor restoration experts. Each project was graded on the restoration process, safety precautions, results, documentation and their oral presentation.
“Chevron has been sponsoring this event for 21 years now and we have had the pleasure of watching these students grow up before our eyes and go on to college and successful careers,” said Dan Holdmeyer, Industrial and Coolants Brand Manager, Chevron Products Company. “This is not just a restoration project, but an investment in the future by equipping students with the skills that will help them reach their life goals no matter what field they choose to pursue. At Chevron, we are honored to have such an effect on so many young adults.”
The complete list of finalists for the 2016 Delo Tractor Restoration Competition included:
- Austin Haywood, Hastings FFA, Hastings, MI: 1957 Farmall 350 Diesel
- Carson Rose, El Campo FFA, El Campo, TX: 1955 John Deere 50
- Corey Verstraeten, Southwest High School FFA, San Antonio, TX: 1971 Oliver 1855
- Devin Haywood, Hastings FFA, Hastings, MI: 1950 Farmall Demonstrator Cub
- Donald Hershaw, River Falls FFA, River Falls, WI: 1959 Oliver 950
- Drake Davis, Southmont FFA, Crawfordsville, IN: 1977 International 1086
- Leo Davila, Dubiski Career High School FFA, Grand Prairie, TX: 1966 John Deere 3020
- Locust Trace FFA, Lexington, KY: 1967 Case 830 Comfort King
- Matthew Machicek, Rogers FFA, Rogers, TX: 1966 Oliver 1550 LPG
- Parker Goebel, Cuero FFA, Cuero, TX: 1979 International Harvester 886
- Ryan Ullom, Rockwall FFA, Rockwall, TX: 1947 Farmall B
- Ryder Merta, El Campo FFA, El Campo, TX: 1961 Allis Chalmers D12
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 tractor restoration experts 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 mechanics, 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 are invited to present their projects to a panel of four professional tractor restorers during the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis. Projects are graded on restoration process, hands-on learning, results and documentation, as well as oral presentation and safety precautions.
For more about the Delo Tractor Restoration Competition, go to: www.DeloTractorRestorationCompetition.com
Follow the Delo Tractor Restoration Competition Online
The Delo Tractor Restoration Competition can be followed on various social media channels, including Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.
Chevron’s Delo Product Family:
Chevron’s Delo product family includes engine oils, premium lubricants and extended life coolants that provide premium performance and bottom-line value for diesel powered vehicles.
All Delo products are covered under the Delo Warranty Plus program, which provides bumper-to-bumper protection against lubricant and coolant related failures as described in the Delo Warranty.
More information on Delo products can be found at: www.ChevronDelo.com
About Chevron Products Company
Chevron Products Company is a division of an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of the Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX) headquartered in San Ramon, CA. A full line of lubrication and coolant products are marketed through this organization. Select brands include Havoline®, Delo® and Havoline Xpress Lube®. Chevron Intellectual Property, LLC owns patented technology in advanced lubricants products, new generation base oil technology and coolants.
For more information go to: www.ChevronLubricants.com
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