Tom Nickerson of NVR Racing accepts the Performance Engine Builder of the Year award from Doug Kaufman of Engine Builder magazine. Also on hand were Tom’s wife, Cindy, and Funny Car drivers Robert Hight and John Force.

Engine Builder magazine and Speed-Pro pistons have named Tom Nickerson of NVR Racing in Butler, Wisconsin, as the 2014 Performance Engine Builder of the Year.

Nickerson’s shop is based in Butler, Wisconsin.

The announcement was made at the PRI Show and marks the third year of the award.

Finishing second in the balloting was Kenny Duttweiler of Duttweiler Performance in Saticoy, California. Bruce Hogue of Hogue Engines in Akron, Indiana, took third.

NVR specializes in circle track and drag racing, focusing mostly on Chevy engines. With wife Cindy helping out in the shop, the operation has been in business for more than 40 years.

Prizes to the winner include $1,000 cash, Apple iPad, lodging for the PRI show, Mechanics’ gloves and $2,500 worth of Speed-Pro products in addition to numerous Speed-Pro promotional items such as counter stools, employee jackets and customer marketing materials. The other finalists received $1,500 worth of Speed-Pro product, a Kindle Fire, Mechanics’ gloves and Speed-Pro marketing materials.

Taking third place was Bruce Hogue, center, of Hogue Engines.

On hand to help with the presentations were champion Funny Car drivers John Force and Robert Hight.

Nominations to be considered for the honor often come from customers or business partners, although some winners have been known to nominate themselves. Nickerson admitted he thought it was a practical joke when he received the initial congratulatory phone call and hung up. He had to be convinced before returning the call and planning the trip to Indianapolis for the show.