The National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), whose professional drag-racing teams employ some of the nation’s top auto technicians, is supporting the next generation of auto experts through the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge. The NHRA has donated its table at the 2014 SEMA Show Banquet to the top two teams competing in the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge (Racing & Performance, booth #61099) at the Show.

“So many of the participants in our Engine Challenges hope to one day be employed by teams competing in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, so this is a big deal to these kids,” said Rodney Bingham, president of Hot Rodders of Tomorrow. “It makes the whole experience of coming to Las Vegas even more fun.”

Along with seats at the SEMA Show Banquet, the NHRA is awarding the top two teams tickets to an NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series event that’s closest to their school.

High-school teams compete throughout the year in hopes of qualifying for the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge Dual Championship Finals. Thirty-two teams have qualified for the event, completing a crate-engine rebuild in less than 35 minutes. The top two teams going into the SEMA Show’s Championship competition are East Ridge High School from East Ridge, Tennessee, and Thomas County Central High School from Thomasville, Georgia. Both of these teams completed engine rebuilds in 20 minutes or less.

For more on the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge, visit hotroddersoftomorrow.com.