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Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Junior Engine Challenge Develops the Future at PRI

By SEMA Editors

Hot Rodders of Tomorrow
Developed for kids between the ages of 5 and 18 years old, the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Junior Engine Challenge’s design is to “get wrenches in their hands and grease under their fingernails” by taking apart and rebuilding Briggs & Stratton 5 hp single-cylinder engines.

Introduced in February 2017 at the Race & Performance Expo, the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Junior Engine Challenge showed the racing world how to get youth involved in the future of the racing industry at the PRI Trade Show last month. Developed for kids between the ages of 5 and 18 years old, the program’s design is to “get wrenches in their hands and grease under their fingernails” by taking apart and rebuilding Briggs & Stratton 5 hp single-cylinder engines.

A team consists of two members; one teammate must be between 5–18 years of age. Each team must completely disassemble and reassemble the engine so that it is functional and in running condition. Basic hand tools and equipment are required to complete this task. The contest is intended to help develop problem-solving and communication skills, and increase self-esteem and the understanding of a working internal combustion engine.

“The coolest thing I saw at PRI was the focus and passion of the kids competing in the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow events,” said Kyle Fickler, director of business development at Aeromotive Inc. “The next Don Garlits, Warren Johnson or Robert Yates has a great opportunity to win big scholarships while competing in a great environment, and the Jr. Dragster Engine Challenge [Jr. Hot Rodders of Tomorrow] made we wish I was 6 years old again!”

Hot Rodders Adds More Junior Engine Challenge Events in 2018

Due to the popularity of the Junior Engine Challenges and the importance of getting youth interested in the racing industry, Hot Rodders of Tomorrow will hold a minimum of 18 events in 2018, starting in February at the Race & Performance Expo and ending at the PRI Trade Show next December. Teams will participate at all the Midwest Junior Super Series events and most of the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge events during the year.

View more photos of the Junior Engine Challenge.

For more information about the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow program or how to help, contact Greg Parker at 574-315-1938 or gparker@hotroddersoftomorrow.org.