Fourth Time is a Charm for Matt Mahler, Grand Champion of the 2015 Delo Tractor Restoration Competition

Marking the 20th Anniversary of Competition, Chevron Selected Texas Native as the Nation’s 2015 Top Teen Expert

SAN RAMON, Calif.--()--Chevron Products Company, a Chevron U.S.A. Inc. division, maker of the Delo® brand of technologically advanced engine oils, lubricants and coolants, selected Matt Mahler of Iowa Park FFA in Iowa Park, TX for its 2015 Delo Tractor Restoration Competition Grand Champion. The annual competition celebrated its 20th anniversary this year. The event brought the nation’s top teen tractor restoration project finalists to Louisville, KY to compete for the national title during the 88th National Future Farmers of America (FFA) Convention at the end of October.

Mahler had reached the finals of the competition for the previous three years, but this year’s restoration of a 1972 John Deere 4320 finally helped him clinch the coveted title of Grand Champion. Mahler completed the restoration project while attending Iowa Park High School, and is now a student at Vernon Regional Junior College.

“After getting to the finals three times previously, I was driven to do what it takes to win that title this year,” said Mahler. “I always learn from my mistakes and never give up on my goals. It is great to see all my hard work pay off by finally becoming the Grand Champion.”

Mahler was awarded $10,000 as Grand Champion. Runners up for the competition included Austin Haywood of Hastings FFA in Hastings, MI who received $5,000 for the Reserve Champion award. Drake Davis of Southmont FFA in Crawfordsville, IN took third place and received a prize of $3,000.

The 2015 entries were narrowed down to 12 finalists who presented their projects to a panel of five seasoned tractor restoration experts. Each project was graded on the restoration process, safety precautions, results, documentation and their oral presentation.

“For 20 years now, we have been inspired by the accomplishments of our participants,” said Dan Holdmeyer, Industrial and Coolants Brand Manager, Chevron Products Company. “Beyond just fixing tractors, these young people are our future leaders and have restored a piece of history while creating lifelong memories and learned skills they can use throughout their life. The Delo Tractor Restoration Competition is a flagship program that Chevron is proud to support.”

The complete list of finalists for the 2015 Delo Tractor Restoration Competition included:

  • Austin Haywood, Hastings FFA, Hastings, MI: 1954 Farmall Super MTA
  • Box Elder Ag, Box Elder FFA, Brigham, UT: 1954 Farmall Super C
  • Brandon Anding, Granton FFA, Granton, WI: 1956 International 300 U
  • Cotton Center FFA, Cotton Center, TX: 1950 Farmall H
  • Drake Davis, Southmont FFA, Crawfordsville, IN: 1935 Farmall F-12
  • Dubiski Career High School, Dubiski Career High FFA, Grand Prairie, TX: 1946 Farmall B
  • El Campo High School FFA, El Campo, TX: 1951 John Deere Model A
  • Eufaula High School FFA, Eufaula, AL: 1969 Massey Fergusson 135
  • John Grunseich, Bellevue FFA, Bellevue, TX: 1964 John Deere 1010
  • Kathryn Skroch, Holdingford FFA, Holdingford, MN: 1939 Farmall H
  • Matt Mahler, Iowa Park FFA, Iowa Park, TX: 1972 John Deere 4320
  • Scott Evans, Iowa Falls-Alden FFA, Iowa Falls, IA: 1948 B.F. Avery Model A

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 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 the National FFA Convention in Louisville to present their projects to a panel of five professional tractor restorers. Projects are graded on restoration process, 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

Contacts

Chevron
Angi Schoolcraft, 502-420-7147
angi.schoolcraft@chevron.com
or
Cohn & Wolfe for Chevron
Ryan Donough, 415-403-8311
ryan.donough@cohnwolfe.com

Contacts

Chevron
Angi Schoolcraft, 502-420-7147
angi.schoolcraft@chevron.com
or
Cohn & Wolfe for Chevron
Ryan Donough, 415-403-8311
ryan.donough@cohnwolfe.com