Pro Motor Engines wins 10th annual showdown

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Dennis Borem and Darrell Hoffman from Pro Motor Engines made history on May 13, capturing their record third consecutive MAHLE Engine Builder Showdown in the closest finish in the 10-year history of the competition.

The MAHLE Engine Builder Showdown is a tiered, three-round competition designed to recognize the knowledge, skill and speed of professional engine builders who assemble special performance engines for NASCAR teams. Qualifying rounds were held earlier in the week at Hendrick Motorsports leading up to the final round -- hosted by former crew chiefs Jeff Hammond and Larry McReynolds -- on May 13.

A total of eight teams competed: Earnhardt-Childress Racing Engines, Hendrick Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing, Penske Racing Engines, Richard Petty Motorsports, Triad Racing Technologies. Pro Motor Engines and Roush Yates Engines made it to the finals.

In a fierce neck-and-neck battle, the Pro Motor Engines team built a complete Chevrolet R07 race engine and successfully ran it for one minute in an incredible 19 minutes, 27 seconds, edging the Roush Yates Engines team of Mike Kasch and Jim Snyder by a mere 17 seconds (19 minutes, 44 seconds).

"It was pretty intense, no question about it," said Borem. The Showdown was part of "NASCAR Rev'd Up," a kick off event for All-Star Race Week. "We are thrilled to win it again and want to say thanks to MAHLE for continuing to host this competition."

"This year's MAHLE Engine Builder Showdown will go down in history as one of the best ever, especially the finale," said Bill McKnight, Team Leader -- Training for MAHLE Clevite. "The two teams were neck-and-neck the entire time and we never knew who was going to win until the last few seconds.

"Darrell and Dennis have been incredible the last four years, making it to the final round in their first attempt, and then capturing three straight titles. They have something to be proud of. We are proud of all eight teams who competed this year."

Borem and Hoffman took home a cash prize for their efforts and will have their name again engraved on the prestigious Randy Dorton Memorial Trophy.