In 2000, MAHLE started an annual contest which assembled the best NASCAR® engine builders to showcase their skills in a high-speed action-packed race to rebuild their engine in the fastest time. Hopefully you didn’t blink, because before you knew it, the roar of the engine coming alive brought you to your feet.

The MAHLE Engine Builder Showdown was a tiered, four-round competition that highlighted the knowledge, skills and most of all, the speed of professional engine builders who assemble special performance engines for NASCAR teams.

A selection of NASCAR’s top engine builders were invited to participate in this exceptional and unique event to see who could build, fire up and run their racing engine the fastest.

In each round of the competition, the goal was to build, in the shortest time possible, a complete engine and successfully run it for one minute. The first-place winner was crowned the MAHLE Engine Builder Showdown Champion!

Engine Builder Showdown Timeline

2000

For the past several years, Clevite Engine Parts has presented the Clevite Engine Builder Challenge Series, in which professional engine builders compete to see who can assemble and run an engine the fastest. From this series has come the new Clevite Engine Builder Showdown 2000.

The Showdown 2000 is a tiered competition featuring NASCAR’s top engine builders battling it out for a total prize package worth over $50,000. After four rounds of tough competition, Randy Hewitt of Roush Racing, builder for Mark Martin’s #6 Valvoline Ford
Taurus, became the undisputed Clevite Engine Builder Showdown 2000 Champion.

Each Showdown match pitted two engine builders (each with an assistant of his choosing) in a head-to-head timed trial. The team with the quickest net time in assembling its bare block Ford 5.8L engine and running it for one full minute won his Showdown match. That winner then proceeded to the next round of competition.

Judges assessed two-minute penalties for each head, main bearing cap, and connecting rod cap bolt not properly torqued. One-minute penalties also were added for any loose or missing minor fasteners.

All four rounds of competition were held in Charlotte, North Carolina at Central Piedmont Community College. A total of eleven NASCAR engine builders from seven different race teams took part in four rounds of competition, which spanned March 13 through April 4. The list of engine builders who competed in he first annual Clevite Engine Builder Showdown
included:

  • Doug Yates — Robert Yates Racing
  • Charlie Siegars — Hendrick Motorsports
  • Leo Cavender — Roush Racing
  • Randy Dorton — Hendrick Motorsports
  • David Evans — Larry Hedrick Motorsports
  • Randy Hewitt — Roush Racing
  • Eddie Lanier — Richard Childress Racing
  • Ronnie Reavis — B & R Automotive
  • Rick Wetzel — Hendrick Motorsports
  • Jeff Wilson — Penske Racing South
  • Edgar Aleman — Roush Racing

After the first round of competition, eight builders from six different race teams proceeded to the second round of competition, which ultimately lead to a third round — NASCAR’s own version of the Final Four.

Round three kicked off with Randy Dorton and partner Kelly Prior of Hendrick Motorsports building against David Evans and partner Ronny Phillips of Larry Hedrick Motorsports. Both teams amazed spectators with an amazing show of engine-building ability. The Evans team won with a total build time of 26 minutes — just 50 seconds faster than Dorton.

Randy Hewitt and partner Mike Kasch of Roush Racing met Charlie Siegars and partner Shane Parsnow of Hendrick Motorsports in a battle that set everyone’s heart racing. The Hewitt team finished first with an amazing build time of 22 minutes and 33 seconds — a new engine build-time record.

The final Showdown match featured Evans and Hewitt in one of the fastest builds to date, but it was Hewitt who walked away with the first-place trophy. He shaved 52 seconds off of his own record with a winning time of just 21 minutes and 41 seconds.

Jerry McCabe, Vice President of Marketing for Clevite Engine Parts, presented both men with a trophy to commemorate their achievement. For his first-place finish, Hewitt won an all expense paid trip for two to Hawaii along with a year's lease to either a Mustang GT convertible or Camaro SS convertible. Evans received the same lease award for first runner up.

“Our crew in Livonia really works hard,” said Hewitt, “but we’re usually pretty low profile. To get recognition like this for what we do is terrific. On behalf of everyone at Roush racing, particularly in the engine shop, I want to thank Clevite for sponsoring this great event. We’re already looking forward to Showdown 2001!”

2001

On Tuesday, May 24, 2001, Clevite Engine Parts, the NASCAR Technical Institute and the Randy Dorton Memorial Fund came together to celebrate the life of Randy Dorton, raise money to help aspiring engine builders and bring the art of engine building to a crowd of more than 2,000.

Danny Lawrence and Greg Gunnell of Richard Childress Racing, in what appeared to be a come-from-behind finish, bested the time of Mike Maiwald and Shane Parsnow of Hendrick Motorsports. Maiwald and Parsnow – the current Clevite Engine Builder Showdown record holders – posted a strong build time of 20 minutes, 52 seconds, but it wasn’t enough to trump the 19 minute, one second time of Lawrence and Gunnell. Lawrence won his first Clevite Engine Builder Showdown Championship in 2002.

“It was an honor to be invited to participate in this year’s Clevite Engine Builder Showdown,” said Danny Lawrence of Richard Childress Racing. “We appreciate the team effort by Clevite to make this event happen, in addition to their support with our racing program, and feel that everyone won because the event was held in honor of our friend, Randy Dorton.

“Richard Childress Racing and Hendrick Motorsports are part of the Chevrolet family, and feel as though we’re all in this together,” added Lawrence. “In addition, we’re real good friends with all of our competitors.”

This year marked Maiwald and Parsnow’s second trip to the final round. During the first and second rounds of competition, Maiwald and Parsnow’s teamwork lead them to break the Clevite Engine Builder Showdown record – previously held by Danny Lawrence. The current record now stands at an impressive 18 minutes, 54 seconds.

“Our main motivation in this year’s competition was to get that trophy (the Randy Dorton Memorial Trophy) in our shop. We hate that it didn’t happen, but give Danny and Greg a great deal of credit – they’re not only great competitors, but also great friends,” said Mike Maiwald of Hendrick Motorsports. “We look forward to making a run at the title of Clevite Engine Builder Showdown Champions next year.”

2002

20 minutes and 26 seconds – that was Danny Lawrence's winning Showdown time and is also the new Clevite Engine Builder Showdown engine build record.

The final round of the Clevite Engine Builder Showdown 2002 took place on April 9 at Hendrick Motorsports in Charlotte, North Carolina. Danny Lawrence of Richard Childress Racing (Engine Builder for Kevin Harvick's #29 Chevy) went head to head with David Evans of AJ Foyt Racing (Engine Builder for Stacy Compton's #14 Pontiac) and ended up making engine build history.

Showdown fans came from as far as Maryland and Florida and were met by representatives from Dana's Under Hood Group, which includes BWD Automotive, Clevite Engine Parts and WIX Filters. Before the actual build, everyone in attendance had a chance to visit with the four engine builders – getting an intimate look at NASCAR's hidden heroes of racing.

Engine Builder Steve Allen joined Lawrence and Evans was joined by his good friend and build partner Ronnie Phillips. It was clear from the beginning that the race would be a close one, as both teams seemed to mirror the actions of the other throughout the entire build.

Evans and Phillips finished with a penalty-free time of just 21 minutes and 34 seconds, trimming a second off of his fastest ever build time. However, Lawrence and Allen were flawless in their execution and finished their build in 20 minutes and 26 seconds – making them the Clevite Engine Builder Showdown 2002 Champions.

John Washbish, President of Dana's Under Hood Group, presented Lawrence and Allen with a trophy along with a check for $20,000. Evans and Phillips were also presented with a trophy for being first runner-up and received a check for $5,000. Both Lawrence and Evans gave special thanks to Clevite Engine Parts for allowing them to take part in this exceptional event and also expressed their gratitude to Hendrick Motorsports for providing such an impressive facility for the Showdown's final round.

2003

Less than one minute separated the 2003 Showdown Champion from the First Runner-up. When the smoke cleared, Danny Lawrence had a 10 second lead and was the presumed winner of the Showdown – but it wasn’t over for the Joe Gibbs team.

The final round of the Clevite Engine Builder Showdown took place on May 20, 2003 at the NASCAR Technical Institute in Mooresville, NC., where over 1,000 spectators from across the country watched Barry Cook of Joe Gibbs Racing and his partner Jerry Horton compete head to head with Danny Lawrence of Richard Childress Racing and his partner Greg Gunnell, in the first general public viewing of the Showdown’s final round.

Danny Lawrence, engine builder for the No. 29 Kevin Harvick and No. 31 Robbie Gordon cars was introduced to the crowd by the Speed Channel’s John Roberts. Roberts then introduced Barry Cook, engine builder for the Tony Stewart No. 20 car and the Bobby Labonte No. 18 car. From the very beginning, everyone at the Showdown knew the race would be extremely close.

Both teams were looking to win, but were also looking the beat the current engine build record of 20 minutes and 26 seconds, which is currently held by Lawrence. While both teams came close, the current record still holds. Lawrence finished his build first with a time of 20 minutes and 31 seconds. Cook was close behind with a time of 20 minutes and 41 seconds. While Lawrence was applauded as the unofficial winner, the engine inspection would upset the scale and declare Cook the Showdown Champion. A single loose header bolt cost Lawrence a one –minute penalty, and ultimately the championship title.

John Washbish of Clevite Engine Parts presented both builders with their trophies and cash prizes. Lawrence received the first runner-up cash prize of $5,000 and Cook received the first place cash prize of $20,000. Cook’s family joined him on stage as he was officially announced as the 2003 Clevite Engine Builder Showdown Champion.

2004

A single cross-threaded oil pan nut stood between Lanny Barnes and the Clevite Engine Builder Showdown record build time. Despite the minor oversight, Barnes and his Richard Childress Racing partner, Todd Hamm, defeated Mike Maiwald and Shane Parsnow of Hendrick Motorsports in a closely matched race to capture the 2004 Clevite Engine Builder Showdown championship, Tuesday, May 25,2004, at the NASCAR Technical Institute.

Barnes, whose previous best Showdown build time was 20 minutes, 29 seconds, appeared to shatter that time as well as Danny Lawrence’s Showdown record of 20 minutes, 26 seconds by firing up his engine in the 18 minute mark. Following the required minute run, Barnes’ clock read 19 minutes, 52 seconds — an astounding time cheered on by the nearly 1,500 fans in attendance.

Maiwald was just seconds behind Barnes as he finished with an unofficial time of 20 minutes, 33 seconds. However, during the post-build inspection, the cross-threaded oil pan nut was discovered on Barnes’ engine, resulting in a one-minute penalty, preserving Lawrence’s Showdown record for another year. Barnes’ penalty didn’t benefit Maiwald, as he was also charged with a one-minute penalty for a loose intake manifold nut.

The official championship build time for Barnes’ was 20 minutes, 52 seconds, and 21 minutes, 33 seconds for Maiwald.

Richard Childress of Richard Childress Racing, and Chad Knaus, crew chief of Jimmie Johnson’s No. 48 Chevrolet of Hendrick Motorsports, served as the celebrity judges for Tuesday’s championship round.

Terry Shively, vice president and general manager of Clevite Engine Parts, presented Barnes and Hamm with trophies and a first place check for $20,000. Maiwald and Parsnow also received trophies and a $5,000 first runner-up check.

View the tournament bracket [PDF; 640 KB].

2005

In front of a standing-room-only crowd of more than 2,000, Danny Lawrence and Greg Gunnell of Richard Childress Racing captured the sixth annual Clevite Engine Builder Showdown Championship.

In what appeared to be a come-from-behind finish, Lawrence and Gunnell posted a time of 19 minutes, one second, but found strong competition against Mike Maiwald and Shane Parsnow of Hendrick Motorsports. Maiwald and Parsnow posted a strong 20 minute, 52 second time in the final round of competition. Lawrence won his first Clevite Engine Builder Showdown in 2002.

Maiwald and Parsnow hold the current Showdown build record – 18 minutes, 54 seconds – which was formerly held by Lawrence at 20 minutes, 26 seconds.

The year’s final round of the Clevite Engine Builder Showdown was teamed up with events celebrating the life of Randy Dorton, former director of engine development for Hendrick Motorsports. The events included speeches, presentations and a silent and live auction with proceeds going to the Randy Dorton Memorial Fund Scholarship.

An additional auction was held on eBay, featuring rare NASCAR memorabilia, trips, race tickets and more. The auction, which was open until midnight on May 27,2005 was found at www.eBay.com/randydorton.

Clevite Engine Parts presented Dianne Dorton and Josh Garbert, national automotive aftermarket director for NASCAR Technical Institute, with a check for $12,500 for the Randy Dorton Memorial Fund.

“Clevite was honored that Dianne and her team came to us to create a great event that celebrates the life of an even greater man,” said Terry Shively, vice president and general manager of Clevite Engine Parts.

In a heartfelt moment at the conclusion of the presentation of the first Randy Dorton Memorial Trophy, Lawrence and Gunnell gifted their trophies to Dianne Dorton, in memory of her late husband.

View the tournament bracket [PDF; 98 KB].

2006

The final round of the 2006 Clevite Engine Builder Showdown — held on Tuesday, May 23, at the NASCAR Technical Institute in Mooresville, N.C. — will go down as one of the most exciting and closest competitions in Showdown history.

In front of more than 1,500 fans, Mike Maiwald and Shane Parsnow of Hendrick Motorsports made their third straight final round appearance and built against first-time Showdown participants Dennis Borem and Darrell Hoffman of Pro Motor Engineering.

Both teams stayed neck and neck throughout the entire build, working in perfect sync. Borem and Hoffman fired their engine two seconds ahead of Maiwald and Parsnow, but it cut out after running just a few seconds. Borem and Hoffman fired their engine again… but it was too late. When the noise stopped, Maiwald and Parsnow finally captured the prize that had eluded them the past two years – the Randy Dorton Memorial Trophy.

Maiwald and Parsnow posted a phenomenal build time of 16 minutes, 54 seconds (a new engine build record), with Borem and Hoffman of Pro Motor Engineering posting an equally impressive time of 16 minutes, 59 seconds. The competing engine builders assembled 357
cubic inch Ford engines — similar in design to those used by NASCAR’s Ford race teams.

“The energy and excitement at every stage of this year’s competition was the highest we’ve ever seen,” said Ted Hughes, light vehicle brand manger for Clevite Engine Parts. “The Showdown engine build record was broken in each of the last three rounds and two teams that never competed in the Showdown made it to the semi-finals; and one of them — Pro Motor
Engineering — advanced to the final round.”

When asked where he and Parsnow picked up time in the final round, Maiwald said, “Honestly, I can’t tell you where we gained ground. We had experience on our side and have dealt with that pressure before. We knew that the team from Pro Motor Engineering was going to be fast and they forced us to step up our game. I guess you really don’t know what you’re capable of until you’re pushed, but it was an honor for us to build against a team like Pro Motor Engineering who gave everything they had to the competition.”

Maiwald added that his team’s sole motivation was to take home the Randy Dorton Memorial Trophy. “This was for all of the guys in our engine shop,” said Maiwald. “We felt like we let our team down the past two years, so this is really special for all of us.”

Borem said it was an honor to be invited to participate in this year’s Showdown. “When we first got the call, our goal was to just go out and do the best we could. We never thought we’d be standing here at the finals, building against one of the greatest NEXTEL Cup teams, but we had a great run and feel like we've really reenergized this event going into next year. Mike and Shane worked very hard and it's nice to see the trophy finally go to Hendrick Motorsports.”

For their valiant effort, Borem and Hoffman received a cash award of $5,000 along with runner up trophies. Maiwald and Parsnow received a cash award of $20,000 and the title of 2006 Clevite Engine Builder Showdown Champion. Maiwald and Parsnow will also take their rightful place alongside past Showdown Champions on the Randy Dorton Memorial Trophy.

View the tournament bracket [PDF; 88 KB].

2007

Dennis Borem and Darrell Hoffman of Pro Motor Engines walked away with the top prize at the 2007 MAHLE Engine Builder Showdown — the Randy Dorton Memorial Trophy and a cash prize of $26,000. Kevin Webber and Scott Vester of Hendrick Motorsports received $9,000 in their runner-up effort. The 2007 MAHLE Engine Builder Showdown at NASCAR Technical Institute in Mooresville, NC wrapped up four grueling rounds with the Championship on May 23 in front of nearly 1,500 screaming fans.

"This year was one of the most competitive and exciting Show-downs ever," said Jesse Jones, Head of Marketing for MAHLE Clevite Inc. A record 19 teams from 10 of the biggest NASCAR® engine shops took part in the competition. "This proves success in our goal of reaching out to NASCAR® engine builders with our message of quality and performance," Jones said.

The MAHLE Engine Builder Showdown is a tiered four-round competition for professional engine builders who assemble engines for NASCAR® teams. Each team of two engine builders competes to build and successfully run a NEXTEL® Cup 357-cubic-inch Ford Engine in the shortest time possible.

The 2007 Showdown champions from Pro Motor, runners-up in the 2006 Showdown, broke the all-time Showdown record with an engine-build time of 16 minutes and 25 seconds with no penalties for the title. Borem and Hoffman went head-to-head with Hendrick Motorsports’ Kevin Webber and Scott Vester, who finished second with a build time of 17 minutes and 47 seconds with no penalties.
Dennis Borem has worked on muscle cars since he was in high school. According to Borem, his interest in stock car racing and
road racing fueled his passion for building NASCAR® engines. He has 25 years of engine building experience 22 with Pro Motor.
Teammate Darrell Hoffman says his interest in engine building began with racing cars on dirt tracks. He has 20 years of experience in engine building and has been at Pro Motor for 4 years.

The following is a complete list of the 19 NASCAR® engine builder teams who participated in the 2007 MAHLE Engine Builder Showdown:

  • Penske Racing: Kelley Thacker and Chris Moroch
  • Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates: Mike Lanci and Jesse Hardee; Brad Thrower and Todd Hamm
  • Dale Earnhardt, Inc.: Joe London and Mark Purvis; Bill Brunker and Shawn Redwine
  • Bill Davis Racing: Robert Scott and Matt Flogel
  • Toyota Racing Development: Mike DiMascio and Ben Morris
  • Arrington Manufacturing: Chris Seidle and Chris Martin
  • Roush-Yates Engines: Randy Ping and Mike Kasch; David Hamm and Kent Mashburn; Jim Snyder and Mike Robinson; Trey Davis and Mike Buttrick
  • Pro Motor Engines: Dennis Borem and Darrell Hoffman
  • Hendrick Motorsports: Mike Maiwald and Shane Parsnow; Kevin Webber and Scott Vester; Jay Wiles and Jason Ingle
  • Richard Childress Racing: Greg Gunnell and Wes Adams; Ken Swanson and Timmy Petty; Freddie Turza and Cameron Brown

The semifinals featured these four teams in head-to-head competition at NTI on May 22:

  • Jim Snyder and Mike Robinson from Roush-Yates Racing Engines versus Dennis Borem and Darrell Hoffman from Pro Motor Engines
  • Robert Scott and Matt Flogel from Bill Davis Racing versus Kevin Webber and Scott Vester from Hendrick Motorsports

2007 marked another first for the competition that continues to grow every year – the addition of the world-renowned MAHLE brand.

2008

Dennis Borem and Darrell Hoffman of Pro Motor Engines wasted no time as they racked up a stunning 15 minutes and 59 seconds build to win the 2008 MAHLE Engine Builder Showdown on May 20. They came away with the Randy Dorton Memorial Trophy and a cash prize of $26,000, as well as bragging rights for another year – they are winners two years in a row now having taken last year’s top prize with a 16:25 build.

Runners-up Mike Kasch and Jim Snyder of Roush Yates Racing Engines received $9,000. Kasch was a winner at the first Engine Builder Showdown held nine years ago.

The final round of the 2008 Engine Builder Showdown, hosted by MAHLE Clevite Inc. took place at the NASCAR Technical Institute in Mooresville, NC on May 20 before an enthusiastic crowd of several thousand excited on-lookers.

"Last year we felt a 16:25 build would be hard to top or even equal. But this year's event, with a record 15:59 build, was simply amazing. Now we have to wonder what is next for the Showdown," said Jesse Jones, Manager - Marketing for MAHLE Clevite Inc. A record 23 teams from 10 of the best known NASCAR® engine shops took part in the competition. "MAHLE Clevite is proud to continue our support of NASCAR® engine builders with products that exemplify quality and performance," Jones said.

The Engine Builder Showdown is a tiered four-round competition for professional engine builders who assemble race engines for NASCAR® teams. Participating teams – two engine builders per team – vie to build and successfully run a Sprint® Cup 357-cubic-inch Ford Engine in the shortest time possible.

Winners of the 2008 Showdown, the Pro Motor Engines team of Dennis Borem and Darrell Hoffman were runners up in the 2006 Showdown before winning the 2007 event.

Winner Dennis Borem has worked on muscle cars since he was in high school. According to Borem, his interest in stock car racing and road racing fueled his passion for building engines for NASCAR®. He has 25 years of experience in engine building and has been with Pro Motor for 23 years.

Teammate and fellow-winner Darrell Hoffman says his interest in engine building began with racing dirt cars. He has 20 years of experience in engine building and has been at Pro Motor Engines for 5 years.

Here is a complete list of the 23 NASCAR® engine builder teams who participated in the 2008 MAHLE Clevite Engine Builder Showdown:

  • Bill Davis Racing: Robert Scott and Matt Flogel
  • Chip Ganassi Racing: Mike Lanci and Jesse Hardee; Brad Thrower and Todd Hamm; Kevin Stoa and Ben Coward
  • Earnhardt Childress Racing: Greg Gunnel and Joe London; Bill Brunker and Mark Purvis; Freddie Turza and Matt Lombardi; Brian Somers and Gary Hocking; Brian Price and Shawn Redwine; Keith Newcomer and Matt Beaver; Wesley Adams and Camron Brown; Chris Mathis and Travis Howlett
  • Gillett Evernham Engines: Philip Wright and Rob Fisher
  • Hendrick Motorsports: Mike Maiwald and Shane Parsnow; Kevin Webber and Scott Vester
  • Pro Motor Engines: Dennis Borem and Darrell Hoffman
  • Roush Yates Engines: Mike Kasch and Jim Snyder; Kent Mashburn and David Hamm; Trey Davis and Brian Buttrick; Mike Robinson and Andy Spicer; Mark Dorr and Chris Davala
  • Penske Jasper Engines: Kelly Thacker and Mark Cuzzen
  • Triad Racing Development: Mike DiMascio and Ben Morris

On May 19, the following four teams went head-to-head at the semifinals. They were:
Trey Davis and Brian Buttrick from Roush Yates Racing Engines versus Dennis Borem and Darrell Hoffman from Pro Motor Engines
Jim Snyder and Mike Kasch from Roush Yates Racing Engines versus Mike Maiwald and Shane Parsnow from Hendrick Motorsports

Borem and Hoffman and Kasch and Snyder won these contests, and faced each other in the final showdown.

Most engine builders and enthusiasts are very familiar with Clevite® performance engine products. "Clevite® engine bearings, Victor Reinz® gaskets and Perfect Circle® piston rings have long been an integral part of the NASCAR racing scene," Jones said. "In building the engines at the Showdown, the participating NASCAR teams used Clevite® engine bearings, Victor Reinz® gaskets and Perfect Circle® piston rings – all of which are official NASCAR Performance Products.

2009

Dennis Borem and Darrell Hoffman from Pro Motor Engines made history Wednesday, capturing their record third straight MAHLE Engine Builder Showdown in the closest finish in the 10-year history of the competition.

In a fierce neck-and-neck battle, the Pro Motor Engines team built a complete Chevrolet R07 race engine and successfully ran it for one minute in an incredible 19 minutes, 27 seconds, edging the Roush Yates Engines team of Mike Kasch and Jim Snyder by a mere 17 seconds (19 minutes, 44 seconds).

In what was a rematch of the 2008 final, the Roush Yates team seemed to be on their way to victory, completing the build and firing their engine first. However, while it was running during the mandatory one minute, a fuel line disconnected and the engine became silent. Meanwhile, Pro Motor Engines started their engine just as Roush Yates Engines were having their issue. Roush Yates reconnected
the fuel line and re-fired their engine, but it was too late.

“It was pretty intense, no question about it,” said Borem referring to the MAHLE Engine Builder Showdown, which took place as part of “NASCAR Rev’d Up,” a kick off event for All Star Race Week in Uptown Charlotte, North Carolina. “We are thrilled to win it again and want to say thanks to MAHLE for continuing to host this competition.”

“We’re happy,” said Kasch of the runner-up team. “We feel pretty good right now even though we lost. We gave it our best.”

Former crew chiefs Jeff Hammond and Larry McReynolds hosted the MAHLE Engine Builder Showdown, which is a tiered, three-round competition designed to recognize the knowledge, skill and speed of professional engine builders who assemble special performance engines for NASCAR teams.

A total of eight teams competed. Joining Pro Motor Engines and Roush Yates Engines were: Earnhardt-Childress Racing Engines, Hendrick Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing, Penske Racing Engines, Richard Petty Motorsports, and Triad Racing Technologies.

“This year’s MAHLE Engine Builder Showdown will go down in history as one of the best ever, especially the finale,” said Bill McKnight, Team Leader – Training for MAHLE Clevite. “The two teams were neck-and-neck the entire time and we never knew who was going to win until the last few seconds. Darrrell and Dennis have been incredible the last four years, making it to the final round in their first attempt, and then capturing three straight titles. They have something to be proud of. We are proud of all eight teams who competed this year.”

As 2009 MAHLE Engine Builder Showdown champions, Borem and Hoffman took home a cash prize for their efforts and will have their name again engraved on the prestigious Randy Dorton Memorial Trophy.

2010

Pro Motor Engines once again made history Thursday, capturing their fourth consecutive MAHLE Engine Builder Showdown championship with a record-breaking build time.

In a fierce neck-and-neck battle, the Pro Motor Engines team of Josh Hypes and Matt Jackling built a complete Chevrolet R07 race engine and successfully ran it for one minute in an astounding 18 minutes, 3 seconds, beating last year’s record by over a minute and defeating the Hendrick Motorsports team of Mike Maiwald and Scott Vester.

Team Hendrick Motorsports and team Pro Motor were neck-and-neck in the competition, with Pro Motor firing their engine first. Maiwald and Vester were close behind, but while their engine was running during the mandatory one minute, it became silent at the 57-second mark due to a disconnected fuel line. Hendrick reconnected and re-fired their engine, ending with a final build time of 20 minutes, 1 second.

“This competition is intense, no question about it,” said Hypes referring to the MAHLE Engine Builder Showdown, which took place as part of “NASCAR Rev’d Up,” a kick off event for All Star Race Week in Uptown Charlotte, North Carolina. “This was our first year representing Pro Motor after Dennis (Borem) and Darrell (Hoffman) took the championship the previous three years in a row. We are thrilled to win it again.”

“We gave it our best,” said Maiwald of the runner-up team. “Even though we lost, we still feel pretty good for making it to the final round. We want to say thanks to MAHLE for continuing to host this competition and for their support of the engine builders.”

Former crew chiefs Jeff Hammond and Larry McReynolds hosted the MAHLE Engine Builder Showdown, which is a tiered, three-round competition designed to recognize the knowledge, skill and speed of professional engine builders who assemble special performance engines for NASCAR teams.

A total of six teams competed. Joining Pro Motor Engines and Hendrick Motorsports were: Earnhardt-Childress Racing Engines, Penske Racing Engines, Triad Racing Technologies, and 2009 runner-up Roush-Yates Engines.

“This is another MAHLE Engine Builder Showdown that will go down in history,” said Bill McKnight, Team Leader – Training for MAHLE Clevite. “It was an exciting competition from the very start, and Hypes and Jackling’s record-breaking build time for a fourth Pro Motor championship is something to be very proud of. Both teams should be proud of their accomplishments.”

2010 MAHLE Engine Builder Showdown champions, Hypes and Jackling took home a cash prize for their efforts and will have their name engraved on the prestigious Randy Dorton Memorial Trophy.