Between August and June annually, high school students practice and prepare for the big game or the next challenge in their academic careers. High school auto-tech teams now have that same opportunity when they compete in the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge.

In conjunction with the PRI Show, the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow will be showing engine building exhibitions during the week. Laying the ground work for a future regional qualifying location. High Schools from the Division 2 area (Florida, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Tennessee) are invited to participate. Divisional winners will advance to compete in the 2012 National Championship.

 

"We’re excited to be able to feature the next generation of race engine builders in the PRI Trade Show via the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge," said Steve Lewis, producer of the PRI Trade Show.  "These fine young people represent the future of racing and the performance racing aftermarket. This is going to be fun."

 

Along with being dubbed “champion,” these student engine builders are eligible for prizes, sponsorships and support from select companies as well as scholarship money to aid in future education and training. More than $3 million in scholarship money has been awarded to date. Monetary commitments have been made by the University of Northwest Ohio, Ohio Technical College and SAM, the School of Automotive Machinists.

 

In 2011, more than 70 teams have competed nationwide. The event serves as a forum for the future development of today’s youth for the race and performance industry. During each regional qualifying competition, students must properly disassemble small block Chevy engines using only hand tools and follow proper disassembly and reassembly procedures. This is a competition against the clock, so time added penalties may be issued.

For more information about the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow, visit www.hotroddersoftomorrow.com.