Oct 27, 2017   SOURCE: BusinessWire

A Four-Time Finalist, Corey Verstraeten is Named Grand Champion of the 2017 Delo Tractor Restoration Competition

Chevron Products Company, a Chevron U.S.A. Inc. division, maker of the Delo® brand of technologically advanced engine oils, lubricants and coolants, selected Corey Verstraeten of Southwest High School FFA in San Antonio, TX for its 2017 Delo Tractor Restoration Competition Grand Champion, during the 23rd 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 90th National Future Farmers of America (FFA) Convention this week.

Corey was named the 2017 Grand Champion for his restoration of a 1972 Oliver 1755 a year after his third finals appearance in 2016 for his restoration of a 1971 Oliver 1855. Verstraeten was also a finalist in 2013 and 2014 alongside his brother, Brett, following their restoration of a 1953 Allis Chalmers Model G and 1958 Oliver 880, respectively.

“This competition has been such a great experience for me over the years,” said Verstraeten. “After last year’s finals appearance, I knew I was close to this goal and really worked to improve in this year’s restoration. I couldn’t be more proud of the result and I know the past few years will serve me well as I move forward in my life.”

Verstraeten was awarded $10,000 as Delo Grand Champion. The Delo Reserve Champion award for the competition was given to Matthew Machicek of Rogers FFA in Rogers, TX who received $5,000. Austin Reynolds of Ira FFA in Snyder, TX took third place and received a prize of $3,000.

The 2017 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.

“Each year you think it can’t get more difficult to determine a winner out of these 12 finalists, but these young adults continue to amaze,” said Dan Holdmeyer, Industrial and Coolants Brand Manager, Chevron Products Company. “The level of hard work and ingenuity will make lasting impacts on their lives moving forward and ultimately their career. This is so much more than a restoration competition at Chevron and we’re happy to be equipping these students with everything they’ll need to succeed in the future.”

The complete list of finalists for the 2017 Delo Tractor Restoration Competition included:

  • Andrew Brown, Nashville FFA, Nashville, IN: 1957 Allis Chambers WD45
  • Austin Reynolds, Ira FFA, Snyder, TX: 1969 John Deere 4020
  • Corey Verstraeten, Southwest High School FFA, San Antonio, TX: 1972 Oliver 1755
  • Devin Haywood, Hastings FFA, Hastings, MI: 1950 Farmall Demonstrator C
  • Four Rivers Career Center, Washington, MO: 1948 Farmall C
  • Mack Blair, Dubiski High School FFA, Grand Prairie, TX: 1973 International Harvester 666
  • Marcus Wagner and Cameron Coyle, Dubiski High School FFA, Grand Prairie, TX: 1958 John Deere 420V
  • Matthew Machicek, Rogers FFA, Rogers, TX: 1956 Minneapolis-Moline 335
  • Northwood FFA, Nappanee, IN: 1956 Farmall 350
  • Ryder Merta, El Campo FFA, El Campo, TX: 1955 Farmall 200
  • Tanner Burns, Tucker County FFA, Hambleton, WV: 1968 International Farmall 544
  • Taylor Havemann, Atascadero High School, Atascadero, CA: 1951 Oliver OC3

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