TRC Program Background
TRC Program Logistics
*New!* TRC Video Element
Frequently Asked Questions
Sample Workbook
Quotes
Past Winners
Before & After Pictures
Media
Download Competition Workbook

TRC Program Background

Since 1995 the Chevron Delo® Tractor Restoration Competition has rewarded the determination, mechanical skill and business savvy of high school aged FFA members from around the country. Through the restoration of an antique tractor, participants develop skills applicable to the modern business world. The skills needed to be successful in the program -- equipment maintenance, teamwork, project management, budgeting, planning and marketing – help develop the participants into future leaders in the agriculture community.

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TRC Program Logistics

All entrants are required to submit a workbook, which can be downloaded here. The workbook details the entire restoration process, from mechanical overhauls of engines, transmissions and auxiliary and ancillary systems, to the external appearance of the tractors. The workbook for the current year’s competition are updated and available online by March of each year. Final workbooks are due by September 5, 2008.

This year, the program will be adding another element to the application process. We will require each individual or chapter participant to submit a short video to complement the workbook. Click here for more information on the video A panel of judges narrow the initial round of entries into a small group of finalists in both the individual chapter competition. The finalists are invited to the National FFA Convention to present their projects to a panel of 5 tractor restoration specialists. Many of our fine judges have been judging the competition since its inception.

Projects are scored on the restoration process, results, documentation, safety precautions and the oral presentation to the judges.
The winners are announced at an awards luncheon held on the last day of the competition. The prizes in each category (Individual and Chapter) are as follows:
Grand Prize $2500
First Runner Up $1500
Second Runner Up $1000

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*New!* TRC Video Element

Starting with the 2008 competition, we now require all participants to submit a short video of their restoration project in addition to the workbook. This video should be fairly short – no longer than 2-3 minutes – and should complement the workbook. It is a way for the judges to better see the students working on their restoration project as well as the results of their hard work. It’s also a great way for us to see more of the “fun side” of the project. We want to see the participants’ personalities. Have fun with this!

Making the video is a fairly easy process. Most digital cameras come with video capabilities nowadays. And most computers come with video-making software. If you do not already have the software here are a couple suggestions:

Mac users: http://www.apple.com/ilife/imovie/

PC users: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/moviemaker/default.mspx

We want the students to have fun with these videos. Play around with adding music. We can provide logos and TRC artwork if you would like it, but it’s not mandatory. The video should be submitted on a CD or DVD with the official workbook by September 5, 2008. If you are chosen as a finalist, you are welcome to incorporate the video into your oral presentation, but the judges will have already viewed the video

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who’s eligible for this competition?
A: The Chevron Delo Tractor Restoration Competition (commonly referred to as “TRC”) is only open to High School-aged FFA students at this current time. The finals are held at the National FFA Convention each year. If you are not a high school student during the period your restoration and are not affiliated with the FFA you cannot participate in our competition…but keep looking around! I’m sure there are lots of other competitions out there for you!

Q: What's the difference between a Chapter and Individual entry?
A: An individual entry is just that - an individual student restoring a tractor on his or her own.  A Chapter entry is two or more students working together as a team to restore the tractor.  The award money is awarded to the chapter.

Q: Can I/we have help?
A: We encourage parents, Ag teachers and FFA Advisors to be active in your restoration project, from an advisory standpoint.  They should be there to help with questions, explain best practices, observe and enforce safety precautions, and be your go-to person for any questions.  However, this is a student project.  Advisors and parents should not be completing the workbooks or restoring tractor components without student involvement.

Q: Where do I begin? Where do I get a tractor?
A: While Chevron sponsors this competition, we do not provide or have any specific knowledge as to where you can get a tractor. It’s up to you to find a tractor. Drive around your town or rural surrounding areas. Check the papers to see if anyone is selling an antique tractor. Go to an auction. Check with your FFA Advisor – he/she may be able to assist you in finding a tractor.

Q: What kind of tractor am I looking for?
A: There aren't many rules regarding the types of tractors that you can restore for this competition.  We don't have a rule regarding the age of the tractor or the make of the tractor.  However, it does need to be a tractor that, in it's past life, was an important working member of the farm.  This program is sponsored by Chevron Delo.  If your tractor doesn't need any lubricants...it's probably not the right type of tractor.  If you are in doubt, please feel free to contact the TRC Coordinator at: 888-385-4026 or email her at: christaw@allen-martin.com.

Q: I’ve registered and downloaded the Workbook file, but it won’t open on my computer? What’s wrong?
A: Most likely, you don’t have Adobe Acrobat installed on your computer or you don’t have a new enough version. You’ll see below that we offer a link to Adobe.com. That link will take you to the site where you can download Acrobat for free. If you are sure you have the most current version and still can’t get the file to open, contact the TRC Coordinator and she will assist you in getting the workbook.

Q: I’ve registered for the program and downloaded my Official TRC Workbook…what if I don’t get my project finished?
A: Registering to get the workbook does not, in any way, OBLIGATE you to submit the workbook for the current year’s competition. We know that finishing a project such as this is hard work and things come up. Feel free to use the workbooks as a guide as you go along during your project. We accept past year’s workbook pages in any given year…but it is recommended that you download the most current workbook to make sure there are no changes to the program or the guidelines.

Q: Why can’t I type directly onto the document I downloaded?
A: The workbook that you download from this site is in PDF format. For most of you, this means you will not be able to edit directly onto the file on your computer. You are not required to use the provided header sheets. They are meant to be used as guidelines. One option is to type up your descriptions in word and set your top margins the way our pages are laid out and feed them through like letterhead. If you do not use the provided sheets, don't feel the need to include them in the final workbook.  Just include the description page and your sheets.  You are also welcome to hand-write your descriptions…but be sure to write neatly and clearly…and spellcheck, spellcheck, spellcheck!

Q: How do I submit the workbook?
A: We now accept workbooks in the following formats:
     a.) 3-ring binder. NO larger than 1.5”. Do NOT overstuff the binder and do  
          NOT use heavy paper, except for pictures (optional).
     b.) Spiral-bound notebook.
     c.) CD. Scan each page and place it all on a CD. However, if you are
          selected as a finalist, be prepared to bring your original binder to the finals.

Q: What SHOULD go in the workbook?
A: Your workbook should definitely be creative! It’s the gateway to becoming a finalist. Make it colorful and visual. However, keep in mind that we do make copies of all your books, so please try to avoid typing your descriptions on darkly colored paper. Your workbook can be whatever you want…it can look like a scrapbook, or a formal presentation. Whatever you’re most comfortable with. We frequently scan in some of your before & after pictures for this Web site and for publicity opportunities, so try to avoid cropping or shaping ALL of your before & after pics. For more information, please refer to the SAMPLE WORKBOOKS section below.

Q: When do I need to get my Official TRC Workbook to you?
A: The deadline for workbook submissions is September 5th, 2008, but it’s best if you try to get your workbook in early.

Q: This project is hard…and EXPENSIVE! Any ideas?
A: Sure! There’s a lot of ways you can ease the financial burden of this project. Fundraise! Have a bake sale, do community chores, place a story in the paper about your project and see the response you get. You’ll be surprised how many people in your town will come out of the woodwork to get involved! Don’t try to do this all by yourselves. Use your resources! Chevron Delo sponsors the program…so try going to a local store that sells Chevron Motor Oils and ask if they’ll donate your lubricants. If you don’t have an Ag shop at your school…see if you can get tools donated, or workshop space donated. It’s not as hard as you might think…just ask!

Q: Ok, I’ve mailed my Official TRC Workbook to you. Now what?
A: Once we’ve received all of the workbooks, a small panel of judges will narrow down the submissions and select our finalists. There is no rule as to how many finalists will be chosen each year, but typically we choose around 10 finalist in the Chapter and Individual categories. Once we’ve chosen the finalists, we will contact you by mail to let you know whether or not you’ve been chosen.

Q: I’m a Finalist! What do I do now?
A: Congratulations! You should be very proud of yourselves! We will contact you to let you know that you’ve been chosen as a finalist by mail. This means we want to see you/your team in person! You will need to travel to the National FFA Convention where the Finals are held. We do not provide hotel accommodations for you, so you will need to do this on your own, and we suggest you do this as soon as you find out. You don’t need to bring your tractors with you…just you/your team, and your parents/guardians/FFA Advisors.

Q: What do the Finals consist of?
A: At the finals, we have a panel of excellent judges who are all in the business of tractor restoration. You will present an Oral Presentation to them about your restoration project. In this presentation you will use public speaking to reiterate what you have documented in your workbook. Feel free to use any type of visual display – PowerPoint Presentations, Storyboards, actual parts from the old tractor, etc. But we want to hear you speak too! We want to get a sense of who you are, what you’re like and what you learned. After you give your presentation, there is a Q&A period where the judges can ask you questions about your presentation and/or your project. Be prepared to know specifics about tasks that you performed and your documentation. But don’t be scared…our judges don’t bite…usually, anyway.

Q: What?! An Oral Presentation?! Yikes! What should I do?!
A: Ok, breathe. Don’t be scared.Oral presentations can be lots of fun! And that's really important.we want you to have fun! We want to have fun! Sure, you can stand up there and read from a script in front of rotating pictures…but be creative! The most important part of giving an oral presentation is keeping your audience’s interest peaked. If you’re a team presentation…start with a skit about your project or something that happened. If you have a PowerPoint presentation, include some funny pictures. It’s PERFECTLY acceptable to have your talking points written on cue cards or index cards with you up there. We know how easy it is to lose your train of thought when you’re nervous. While it’s awesome if you can memorize your speech…don’t feel obligated to. We want you to be totally comfortable up there. So do whatever you need to, to be comfortable.

Q: Once I/We have given our presentation, then what?
A: The presentations are given over two days during the National FFA Convention. One day will be Chapters and the other will be Individuals (not necessarily in that order). On the third day you will be invited to an awards ceremony. We award money for 2nd Runner-Up, 1st Runner-Up and a Grand Prize winner in both the Chapter and Individual categories. But don’t forget…you are all winners. This is hard work and you should be proud of yourselves no matter what.

Q:Who's invited to the Awards Ceremony?
A: When you become a Finalist, we will send you information that we need to get back. Part of this information will include letting us know how many people to expect. Really, anyone is welcome…your family, your chapter, your advisors…within reason. You probably don’t need your 2nd cousin there…but your mom and dad and sister are totally welcome! We just need to know how many to expect ahead of time.

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Sample Workbook

What Should Your Workbook Look Like?
Again, you have creative freedom to make your workbook fit your personality. But if you’re completely stuck, we have a sample of each section taken from finalists’ workbooks from the last 3 years. You’ll notice each one is different and unique. Some are more detailed than others, some are more colorful than others. Use these examples to spark your creativity. None of these samples are better than the other…they are just examples of different ways to do it.

Your Story (PDF)	Overall (PDF)	Engine (PDF)
Transmission (PDF)	Final (PDF)	Ancillary (PDF)
Auxiliary (PDF)	External (PDF)	Mechanical (PDF)
Expense (PDF)	Safety (PDF)	Discovery (PDF)

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Quotes

“Personally, I can honestly say that being a judge has reinforced how many good kids there really are out there.”

“The thing we get called the most is ‘lucky’. When other FFA members hear that we get to restore tractors, they call us lucky. When they heard that we got to go to San Antonio, they called us lucky. When they heard we got to go to Louisville, KY they called us lucky. As a result of working on tractors, we are lucky to have gained self confidence and reliance. We are also lucky to have learned that a job worth doing is worth doing right.”

“Competitors in the Chevron Delo Tractor Restoration Competition demonstrate mechanical proficiency, commitment, determination and teamwork; traits that will help them as they move from school to career.”

"My boyfriend said I had to choose between him and the tractor.  I'm sure going to miss him."

“It’s great to see Chevron investing in the youth. We’re the future of the industry and it’s nice to know they care so much about education and developing our skills.”

"Thanks to Chevron and a rusty, 1935 John Deere tractor, I’ve become a better public speaker, learned about marketing and other business skills, traveled to new places and have been honored by the State of Colorado. When I first saw this tractor, I never imagined the places it would take me."

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Past winners

2007

• Grand Prize: Joshua Supak, Brazos FFA, Simonton, TX, 1970 IH 826
• 1st Runner-Up: Amy Haass, Devine FFA, Devine, TX, 1953 John Deere
• 2nd Runner-Up: Laura Gordon, Triway FFA, Shreve, OH, 1951 Oliver 99

Chapter Winners, FFA Chapter, Location and Restoration Project:

• Grand Prize: Decatur FFA Chapter, Decatur, TX, 1966 2510 High Crop Rebecca Elmore, Ishley Elmore, Heather Harris, Kelsey Fincher, Stephanie Revels, Phylisia Loucks
• 1st Runner-Up: Cherryvale FFA Chapter, Cherryvale, KS, 1956 John Deere 720 Shane Blaes, Cory Blaes
• 2nd Runner-Up: Cotton Center FFA Chapter, Cotton Center, TX, 1956 Ferguson T035 Joy Ray Sageser, Kyle Kirby, Francisco Saenz, Tory Catilleja, Amanda Vasquez, Ruben Estebane, Jimmy Luera, Daniel Reyna, Edgar Contreras, Kayla Sageser, Taryn Shadden

2006

• Grand Prize: Shane Blaes, Cherryvale FFA, Cherryvale, KS – 1944 John Deere B
• 1st Runner-Up: Jarrett Zinsmeyer, Medina Valley FFA, Stephenville, TX – 1930 Case CC
• 2nd Runner-Up: John Gleason, Atascadero FFA, Santa Margarita, CA – 1950 Farmall Cub

Chapter Winners, FFA Chapter, Location and Restoration Project:

• Grand Prize: San Luis Obispo FFA, San Luis Obispo, CA – 1936 Caterpillar: Joey McKee, Nick Poletti
• 1st Runer-Up: Brazos FFA, Wallis, TX – 1958 John Deere 530: Tyler Raska, Jordan Raska
• 2nd Runner-Up: Decatur FFA, Decatur, TX – 1959 John Deere: Mitchell Bradford, Willie Schooling, Garrett Miller, Becca Elmore, Joe Alonzo, Jason Benedick, Brody Brown, Anthony Perez, Colton Niblett, Josh McDaniel

2005

• Grand Prize: Tyler Raska, Brazos FFA, Wallis, TX – 1959 JD 630
• 1st Runner-Up: Garrett Miller, Decatur FFA, Decatur, TX – 1929 John Deere GP WideTred
• 2nd Runner-Up: Jordan Tate, West Prairie FFA, Good Hope, IL – 1939 John Deere B

• Grand Prize: Cotton Center FFA, Cotton Center, TX – 1951 Ford 8N: Austin Voyles, Jeremy Gonzales, Sarah Kirby, Aven Straw, Scott Reese, Heath Reeves, Cody Miller, Jesse Masters
• 1st Runer-Up: Decatur FFA, Decatur, TX – 1950 Ferguson TO-20: Rebecca Elmore, Rachel Dempsey, Taylor Adams, Emery Currin, Alyssa White, Jordan Cade
• 2nd Runner-Up: Northwood FFA, Nappanee, IN – 1974 John Deere 4430: Kit Clouse, Bren Treed, Jacob Bowers, Joy Wisler, Joe Love, Luke Holsinger, Tim Schmucker, Darrel Hoffer, Jon Burkey, Joe Wegener, Brett Riley, Brittney Sheets, Stephanie Schmucker, Nick Brown, Nate Brown

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Before & After Pictures

Click on a picture to see a larger version.

1970 IH 826 - Before & After Restored by: Joshua Supak, Brazos FFA, Simonton, TX 2007 Grand Prize Winner - Individual
1966 John Deere 2510 High Crop - Before & After Resored by: Decatur FFA, Decatur, TX 2007 Grand Prize Winner - Chapter
1944 John Deere B - Before & After Restored by: Shane Blaes, Cherryvale FFA, Cherryvale, KS 2006 Grand Prize Winner - Individual
1936 Caterpillar RD-4 - Before & After Restored by: San Luis Obispo FFA, San Luis Obispo, CA: Joey McKee, Nick Poletti 2006 Grand Prize Winner - Chapter
1959 John Deere 630 – Before & After Restored by: Tyler Raska, Brazos FFA, Wallis, TX 2005 Grand Prize Winner - Individual

1950 Ferguson TO-20 – Before & After Restored by: Decatur FFA, Decatur, TX 2005 First Runner-Up - Chapter

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Press Releases and News Articles

Chapter Winners, FFA Chapter, Location and Restoration Project:

• Grand Prize: Decatur FFA Chapter, Decatur, TX, 1966 2510 High Crop

• 1st Runner-Up: Cherryvale FFA Chapter, Cherryvale, KS, 1956 John Deere 720

• 2nd Runner-Up:Cotton Center FFA Chapter, Cotton Center, TX, 1956 Ferguson T035

The prizes in each category (individual and chapter) are as follows:

• Grand Prize: $2500

• First Runner Up: $1500

• Second Runner Up: $1000

FFA is a national youth organization of 490,017 student members preparing for leadership careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture with 7, 210 local chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. FFA strives to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. For more information, visit: www.ffa.org

The Chevron Delo Product Family

Chevron’s Delo product family includes lubricants and coolants that provide superior protection, performance and bottom-line value for on- and off-road diesel-powered equipment. Delo products are found in all major industries from commercial transportation to mining, construction, agriculture, and power generation.

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.DeloPerformance.com

About Chevron Products Company
Chevron Products Company is a division of a wholly owned subsidiary of the Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX).

A full line of lubrication and coolant products are marketed through this organization under the Chevron, Texaco and Caltex brand names. Select brands include Havoline®, Delo®, Ursa®, Revtex® and Texaco Xpress Lube®. Chevron Products Company owns patented technology in advanced lubricants products, new generation base oil technology, and coolants.

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For more information go to: www.chevron.com            

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MEDIA CONTACTS:

Chip Dehnert
Cohn & Wolfe (For Chevron Products Company)
415.365.8533
ChevronLubes@cohnwolfe.com
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Sandy Sullivan
Chevron Products Company
925.790.6908
SandySullivan@Chevron.com

 

Battle of Sexes, With Monkey Wrenches