Members of the Thomas County Central High School in Thomasville, Georgia, assemble their engine in an early round of the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow competition at SEMA.

One of the biggest crowds at SEMA is already gathering to watch teams of young engine builders compete in the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow challenge. The competition started Monday afternoon as 13 teams from around the country showed off their skills and teamwork.

A member of the North Orange County ROP auto technology class watches as judges inspect the team’s assembled engine.

The challenge is somewhat similar to action in the pit between Top Fuel rounds at a drag race. There are three identically prepared small-block Chevys positioned in front of the work benches dedicated to each team. The students must disassemble the engines, using only hand tools and proper de-torquing procedures. When given the go-ahead by the judges, the teams then re-assemble the engines. Rules spell out correct procedures and torque numbers. Teams can also be penalized for dropping parts or any action deemed unsportsmanlike. 

The team with the fastest overall time wins. Numerous aftermarket companies support the teams with uniforms with other endorsements. Events similar to the one at SEMA are held around the country at popular auto venues, such as Carlisle, the Edelbrock 4 Kids Car Show and PRI.

The program started in 2008 with a challenge at the PRI show. Scholarships from such well-known organizations as the School for Automotive Machinists and Ohio Technical College are available to the teams.