The 2016 qualifying season for the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge is now over. And, there are 43 teams readying themselves for the 2016 Dual National Championship happening this fall at the SEMA and PRI shows.
The last qualifying event for the 2016 season took place at the 11th Annual NMRA/NMCA Super Bowl at Joliet’s Route 66 Raceway July 30-31.
In the end, Team Howards Cams, an all-girls team from Belvidere North High School, took third place with an improved time of 24:10. Coming in second place, Team Comp Cams from Burton Center for Arts & Tech enhanced their time to 22:00. Team Vibrant from C D Hylton High School took first place with an enriched time of 19:42. With these teams improving their time during competitions, they advance in the ranks of the 2016 Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Playoff Standings.
Team Mr. Gasket from Parkland College came in fifth place with a great time of 27:51. Coach David Charney from Team Mr. Gasket said, “The students work really hard to qualify for the Dual Championship this year. It feels amazing to qualify for the first year and be able to go to the SEMA Show this year!”
Coming in seventh place, Team Aeromotive from Fremd High School qualifies with a time of 29:05. Coach Steve Elza from Fremd High School said, “This will be the first year out of all eight years of being involved with Hot Rodders where I will take two teams the Dual Championship.” These two teams now advance to the 2016 Dual Championship held later this year. To qualify, a team must tear down and rebuild the engine within 34 minutes.
Grudge Match
A total of seven teams competed at the 11th Annual NMRA/NMCA Super Bowl, only the four top teams were able to advance to the first NMRA vs NMCA Grudge Match. The Grudge Match was held on July 31. Team Comp Cams from Burton Center for Arts & Tech took first place and got to take the NMRA vs NMCA Grudge Match Plaque home with a time of 23:01, just 5 seconds difference from Team Speed Pro, the second place team.
Coach Chris Overfelt from Team Comp Cams, who has competed the last five years at Hot Rodders events, said, “It was excellent to compete outside with the NMRA/NMCA drag racing event.” Overfelt often mentions to his students, “Leave no doubt – don’t doubt yourselves,” giving them motivation to do their best.
Stay tuned for more information on the 2016 Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Dual Championship held at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, NV, and the PRI Show in Indianapolis, IN. Visit HotRoddersofTomorrow.com or connect with them on social media for more information.
