Chevron Announces 12 Finalists for 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, has announced the finalists for its 2017 Delo Tractor Restoration Competition, now in its 22nd year of the program. The event will bring the nation’s top teen tractor restoration specialists to Indianapolis, IN – during the 90th National FFA (Future Farmers of America) Convention – to compete for the national title.

“The success of the program is reflected in the number of returning finalists this year,” said Dan Holdmeyer, Industrial and Coolants Brand Manager, Chevron Products Company. “This year really shows the perseverance of these students over the years and the impact it has had on their lives, learning skills they can use throughout their life.”

The 2017 entries have been narrowed down to 12 finalists, who will present their projects to a panel of five seasoned tractor restoration experts. Each project will be graded on the restoration process, safety precautions, results, documentation and their oral presentation.

The Delo Grand Champion will be awarded $10,000, the Delo Reserve Champion receives $5,000 and Third Place Champion takes home $3,000.

The finalists for the 2017 Delo Tractor Restoration Competition are:

  • Andrew Brown, Nashville FFA, Nashville, IL: 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

“The Delo TRC program has made a tremendous impact on our family and has combined our sons’ love for antique tractors with their drive to tackle challenging projects,” said Luke Haywood of Hastings, MI, father of the 2016 Delo Grand Champion Austin Haywood and 2017 finalist Devin Haywood. “No other program is available to our students that starts at the high school level and is as comprehensive and technical as the Delo Tractor Restoration Competition. The experience will have a lasting impact in whatever field they choose in the future.”

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 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 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 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.

During the finals competition on October 25 and 26, event updates and the results will be posted on the program’s Facebook page in real time.

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