| Growing up in small town Wallis, TX, where the | | | | grown. |
| farmlands flourish and tractors play a key role in | | | | "I like to take an old tractor and make it as good |
| everyday life, it seems only right that restoring | | | | as new, if not better than the original," said Tyler. |
| old tractors would become a passion for local | | | | "This year was especially rewarding because I |
| Future Farmers of America (FFA) teens. | | | | worked in the garage with my Grandpa and |
| Inspired by that passion, two Wallis teens entered | | | | restored something that was special to him." |
| the 2005 Chevron Delo Tractor Restoration | | | | While falling a bit short in her quest for the title, |
| Competition, making it all the way to the event's | | | | the experience was an immensely positive one |
| finals at the National FFA Convention in Louisville, | | | | for Jordan, the only girl from the Brazos FFA to |
| Kentucky. The Tractor Restoration Competition | | | | enter the competition. Tired of being the "go-fer |
| rewards the determination, mechanical skill and | | | | girl" for Tyler as he worked on his tractors, |
| business savvy of high school-aged FFA members | | | | Jordan decided to conquer her own restoration, a |
| from around the country. Students are required | | | | John Deere 420. |
| to submit a workbook that details the entire | | | | Jordan, in her first year showing tractors, initially |
| restoration process. The skills learned through the | | | | drew inspiration from an unlikely place-the music |
| competition help develop the participants into | | | | video for "Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy," by |
| future leaders in the agricultural community. | | | | country group Big and Rich. The music video |
| The teens, members of the Brazos, TX, FFA, | | | | showcases Gretchen Wilson driving a "cute" |
| share an aptitude for mechanical repair and an | | | | tractor and Jordan decided she wanted to restore |
| interest in vintage tractors, as well as one other | | | | one like that. |
| thing: Tyler and Jordan Raska are brother and | | | | Working side by side with her brother and her |
| sister. | | | | dad, Jordan's knowledge of tractors increased |
| While the scenario might have turned into a sibling | | | | tremendously over the course of the project. She |
| rivalry, the Raskas instead took an alternate | | | | did as much of the work by herself that she |
| approach to their restoration projects. Rather | | | | could and then consulted the men for explanations |
| than battling to beat the other, Tyler and Jordan | | | | and hands-on demonstrations when necessary. |
| worked on their tractors together, providing | | | | "I highly recommend the Chevron Delo Tractor |
| support and encouragement along the way. | | | | Restoration Competition to others," Jordan said. |
| Throughout the long hours spent revamping their | | | | "It's an incredible learning experience that helped |
| tractors and carefully documenting the entire | | | | me develop skills for life. Plus, I've had the |
| process, the brother-and-sister team bonded amid | | | | opportunity to work alongside my brother, meet |
| the grease, paint and rusty tractor parts. | | | | new people and make great new friends." |
| In the end, however, there could only be one | | | | "Chevron sponsors the Delo Tractor Restoration |
| winner. Hard work, dedication and mechanical | | | | Competition knowing that the skills and lessons |
| savvy paid off for 18-year-old Tyler Raska, the | | | | learned during the restoration process benefit the |
| individual winner of the Chevron Delo Tractor | | | | teens for life," said Nicole Fujishige, commercial |
| Restoration Competition. | | | | automotive lubricants marketing manager, |
| A senior at Brazos High, Tyler is no stranger to | | | | Chevron Products Company. "We consider it one |
| tractor competitions. He has been restoring | | | | of our more vital and important sponsorships, one |
| tractors for four years, and had a particularly | | | | that helps ensure that the industry's future |
| successful year in 2005, winning the eight shows | | | | leaders have the tools to succeed." |
| he attended with his Grandpa's 1959 John Deere | | | | Currently, both Tyler and Jordan are restoring |
| 630, including a national competition and three | | | | tractors for the 2006 Chevron Delo Tractor |
| state competitions. | | | | Restoration Competition. They each have their |
| Tyler, who has a learning disability, has benefited | | | | own tractor, plus they're working on one |
| greatly from participating in the tractor | | | | together. With another year of experience under |
| competitions. They have helped him focus on his | | | | their belts, the teens are looking forward to next |
| strengths and build confidence, improving his | | | | year's event-and maybe a different Raska on the |
| project management and public speaking skills. | | | | winner's podium. |
| And each year his knowledge of tractor parts has | | | | |