MAHLE Clevite Gears up to Host NASCAR's Top Engine Builders at the 2007 Clevite Engine Builder Showdown

MAHLE Clevite Gears up to Host NASCAR’s Top Engine Builders at the 2007 Clevite Engine Builder Showdown

Preparations are in full swing at MAHLE Clevite Inc. for the Seventh Annual Clevite Engine Builder Showdown. The finals this year are scheduled for May 23 at the NASCAR Technical Institute in Mooresville, NC. The Showdown pits NASCAR's top engine builders in a race to build and successfully run a NASCAR NEXTEL Cup 357-cubic inch Ford engine in the shortest time possible. Through a process of three rounds of preliminary and semi-final eliminations, the competition culminates in a final showdown between the two fastest teams. The winning team receives the prestigious Randy Dorton Memorial Trophy in addition to a cash prize of $26,000. The runners-up receive $9,000. Overall, the competition awards a total prize package of over $50,000.

ANN ARBOR, MI — Preparations are in full swing at MAHLE Clevite Inc. for the Seventh Annual Clevite Engine Builder Showdown. The finals this year are scheduled for May 23 at the NASCAR Technical Institute in Mooresville, NC.

The Showdown pits NASCAR’s top engine builders in a race to build and successfully run a NASCAR NEXTEL Cup 357-cubic inch Ford engine in the shortest time possible. Through a process of three rounds of preliminary and semi-final eliminations, the competition culminates in a final showdown between the two fastest teams.

The winning team receives the prestigious Randy Dorton Memorial Trophy in addition to a cash prize of $26,000. The runners-up receive $9,000. Overall, the competition awards a total prize package of over $50,000.

"The Clevite Engine Builder Showdown draws contestants who are at the top of their game in one of the toughest, most competitive arenas of all – professional racing" said Bill McKnight, director of brand development for MAHLE Clevite Inc. "The contestants come from NASCAR NEXTEL Cup, Busch and Craftsman Truck series teams and engine shops and bring a naturally high level of competitiveness and excitement to the event."

Introduced in 2000, the Clevite Engine Builder Showdown is a tiered, four-round competition designed to highlight the art and skill of those who build some of the finest and most powerful engines we see on America’s race tracks. In the first round, the teams race against the clock to finish in the shortest time with the fastest eight moving to round two. The second, third and fourth/final rounds pit the remaining teams against each other in a heads-up, high-profile, decisive battle for the top prize.

According to McKnight, it’s a win-win for all participants.

“While the Showdown shines the spotlight on some of the most coveted talent in engine building today, it also provides MAHLE Clevite an opportunity to work with the top engine businesses in motorsports,” said McKnight. "Our work for NASCAR often gives rise to the innovative design and engineering developments you find in MAHLE Clevite’s aftermarket products for enthusiasts."

For more information about MAHLE Clevite, go to: http://www.engineparts.com.