Shane Parsnow has competed in 16 Engine Builder Showdowns and has learned there is always something new to learn about your partner, tool placement, etc., “It's all about communication and not making mistakes.” Throughout his career, Shane credits Alan Kulwicki and Randy Dorton to his success, but his biggest supporters have been his parents. They supported Shane from day one and have been there for the past 28 years of his career. “I guess the people who have had the most impact is my family,” Shane said. “My mother and father have been very supportive and understanding of the commitment to traveling and being gone all the time.” “My advice to someone starting their career would be to take your time and do the job one time and do it properly. Also, listen to the veterans and learn from them,” Shane states. One of the career highlights is that he is able to meet new people and strive to be better than the competition. “In starting the career as a technician, find the oldest, grumpiest tech and buy him a six pack and become his friend. He is the one who has been there and done that.” Shane is married to wife, Tami and have a daughter, Shana. In the future, Shane would like to catch a 1000 lbs. Blue Marlin and fish in every ocean on earth.

Jeff is married to his wife, Kelly and they have two daughters, Alaina and Megan. This will be Jeff’s tenth appearance at the Engine Builder Showdown event. He feels that communication with your partner is the key to a successful build. His favorite vehicles are older Dodge’s and Plymouth muscle cars. Jeff would tell a first-time builder to be patient and success will come. He was able to check one thing off his bucket list when his children sent him and Kelly to Alaska. Two of the coolest things he has been able to do in his career are the Engine Builder Showdown events and the ASE award program.

Tom Karas is a returning alternate to the Randy Dorton Engine Builder Showdown event. Tom has always wanted to work for Hendrick Motorsports because he “wants to work for the best. I have created some lifelong friendships here.” At the start of his career, Tom interviewed with Jeff Andrews. He states, “Jeff has made the biggest impact on my career at Hendrick Motorsports. He has always presented himself in a professional manner and gets to the root of all problems without casting judgement.” Tom is excited to be returning to the Engine Builder Showdown event!

Joe has been married to his wife, Carol for 34 years and they have three sons. His favorite car is the 1996 Lexus LS400 because he owned one and was able to drive it 425,000 miles! The coolest thing he has done in his career is complete a 15,000-mile service on a Ferrari which included a full engine removal and timing belt replacement. This will be Joe’s fifth time competing in this competition. He would tell new Technicians that with enough willpower and effort, an amazing career is ahead.

Tyrus Gillen is making his fourth overall appearance in the Randy Dorton Hendrick Engine Builder Showdown. He feels his experience will help in this year’s competition. Gillen loves anything Chevrolet and Harley-Davidson and would love to play at St. Andrews golf course one day. He first joined Hendrick Motorsports in March 2013, which was an important moment in his career. “Communicate and have trust in your build partner,” Gillen said. “You can never communicate too much. Competing in this event is at the top (of my career list). David Evans has been the most influential person in Tyrus’ career. One of his best career accomplishments has been winning races with his childhood hero, Jeff Gordon. When asked about his career, he offered some important advice, “When starting in this industry my advice is to stay hungry. Never stop learning and always be willing to pass your knowledge to someone new.”

Lee is married to his wife Deanna and they share one daughter, Brianah. He has previously competed in the Engine Builder Showdown event in 2014, 2018 and 2021. His experience has taught him to have a good plan, communicate with your partner and go as fast as possible while avoiding mistakes. He would advise a new Technician to learn the ins and outs of a car and work diligently rather than just turning hours. He likes working on Toyota and Honda vehicles. The coolest thing he has done in his career is compete in the Engine Builder Showdown.

Mike Maiwald has competed in all but one Engine Builder Showdown since it began in 2001. Career wise, Randy Dorton made the biggest impact, teaching everyone how to look at things from multiple points of view and to listen to the people on your team, “You can learn a lot from listening. “One piece of advice I would give is to be open-minded and listen to the experiences of the people around you, it will usually give you a different way of looking at things than you originally had,” Mike continued. The Dallas, North Carolina resident’s loves the power of favorite vehicle, his diesel Denali 2500hd. One day he would love to drive coast to coast. Over the years of his career, Mike has won the NASCAR Engine Builder of the Year Award 2003 and in 2006, won the nationally recognized Mahle/Clevite Engine Builder Showdown with Shane Parsnow. Mike is married and has four adult children, Tyler, Keahan, Stephanie and Cameron.

Phillip is married to his amazing wife, Julie. This is his second trip to the Engine Builder Showdown stage. He is confident that his previous build experience as well as improving skills and watching videos will make him less nervous to compete in this competition. His greatest mentor is his father whose work ethic has always stayed with him. He would love to win the title of oldest builder to win an Engine Builder Showdown competition. Phillip’s advice to a new builder would be to pay attention to the veteran Technicians in your shop and work hard on your training.

Joshua is married to his wife Lillian and together they have one child, Lawson. Speir has previously competed in 2015, 2021 through 2023. Over his years competing and observing he has learned that it takes teamwork, lots of focus and proper tool placement to be a top contender. The North Carolina resident is very thankful to be a part of Hendrick Motorsports. The family values Mr. Hendrick instills throughout the organization have influenced Joshua’s outlook on his career. One of his biggest career accomplishments has been being part of Chase Elliot’s first championship in 2020. Speir’s favorite vehicle is a Mustang, he grew up around them and enjoys the driving experience. In the future, Joshua would like to go to the Grand Canyon. “Listen to the old-timers you might learn a few things,” Speir stated as advise he would give to a new builder.

Ben has been with his wife, Niki, for 16 years. They have three sons: Noah, Lucas and Rhett. He has previously competed in the Engine Builder Showdown event in 2018. One thing he learned from this previous build experience is to make sure the fuel line is properly connected. His dad and grandfather have had the greatest impact on his career and have instilled their work ethic in him. In his free time, Ben enjoys driving his Jeep and going off-roading and rock crawling.

2020 runner-up Sam Vernatter is making his 15th appearance in the Randy Dorton Hendrick Engine Builder Showdown. “If you do not communicate with your partner, then it’s going to be a rough build,” Sam said. “And make sure you time the dang thing!” Sam says never underestimate the power of enthusiasm when it comes to the work you do. “Make sure you have a passion for what you do,” Sam said. “It will be a lot easier to stick out the hard times when you love what you do.” Sam checked bucket list item off in October when he went elk hunting in Wyoming with his dad. One of the best moments of his career was eating BBQ ribs with Dale Earnhardt Jr. in his hauler at Talladega. Sam has been married to his wife Ashley for 14 years. They have two children, James and Gabe.

Tyler has previously competed in the Engine Builder Showdown event in 2016 and 2021. He learned communication and planning with your build partner is very important. His family has had the biggest impact on his career as they have always supported his career decisions. One of the coolest things he has done is participating in the BMW Race Crew Program and support a race team during a Road America event. Tylers favorite car to drive and work on are BMW’s. He would love to travel to British Columbia and mountain bike.

Brian Franklin has been married to his wife Shannon for 14 years. Together they have two daughters, Lilly and Shelby. They also have a long-haired dachshund named, Jesse. Franklin looks to his dad as the biggest influence in his life not just professionally, but personally. In 2018, he won the NASCAR Truck Series race in Martinsville, North Carolina and his daughters were able to join him in victory lane. “It’s a tradition to call him after the race to hash out all aspects of the good, the bad and the ugly. I do not have a bucket list because I am living my childhood dream”,Franklin said. This will be Franklin’s 11th year competing in the Engine Builder Showdown. He has learned that preparation is key along with being able to have effective communication with your partner throughout the build. Also being able to make changes on the fly if needed will help you win. “Still itching to win the decadent trophy or the lottery,” Franklin joked. “Each year brings a newfound knowledge, but communication is key.” As for career advice, he is very practical, “Be humble and listen. Keeping an open mind will make you a better technician and person.”

Jeremy has previously competed in the Engine Builder Showdown event in 2014 and 2019. He loved being able to share those experience with his wife as well. Through his experience, Jeremy has learned to ignore the crowd, remember to breath and prepare for arm fatigue! Jeremy would tell any new builder to be confident in their abilities and accept every learning opportunity. He thanks Mr. Hendrick for having the greatest impact on his career because despite all the obstacles he has faced in his life, his job has always been available and helps provide for his family. He would love to be able to take his wife and children to each Disney Park worldwide!

Chris Moroch is back this year as a previous 13-time builder Randy Dorton Hendrick Engine Builder Showdown. “The biggest thing I’ve learned from my previous experiences is how much communication and teamwork play a role into a successful engine build,” Moroch said. The North Carolina resident states that his dad has made the biggest impact on his career. Watching his work ethic over the years had an everlasting effect, helping him aspire to be the best he can be. “The coolest thing I have been able to do in my career is being able to work around and learn from some really talented people over the years.” He also has a sound piece of advice for new technicians, “The one piece of advice I would give to a new technician would be to listen, learn and communicate with others better than anyone else.” Moroch is married with two children, James and Emma. On his bucket list of items to accomplish, he would like to climb Mount Everest in under 10 days.

Robert is a first-time builder at this year’s event. He is excited to compete on a racing engine and hopes to grow alongside the more experienced Technicians. The person that has had the greatest impact on his career was his first manager, Danny Thom because he never gave up on him as a young Technician. He loves working on cars, especially from the height of the muscle car era. One item on his bucket list is to complete his 1970 Plymouth GTX. The coolest thing he has done in his career is becoming an ASE Master Technician and getting his Advanced Specialist certifications.

Gage is competing for the second time in this year’s Randy Dorton Hendrick Engine Builder Showdown competition. Gage brings unique talent to the competition with previous Hendrick Motorsports and Spire Motorsports experience. Gage accredits his past and present TeamMates as well as his Crew Chiefs to having the biggest impact on his career. Gage would tell all new technicians to go to the race tracks themselves and make connections.

Richard will be competing in this Engine Builder Showdown for the first time! He is looking forward to getting to meet Mr. Hendrick and thanking him for the incredible experience with Hendrick Automotive Group. Richard names Dena Gates and Kami Borgstadt as his biggest career impacts. These individuals have taught him how to be a high-quality and knowledgeable Technician and have helped him achieve his goal to be named an ASE Worldclass Technician. Richard recently got married to his wife, Jodyn – congratulations Richard! Together they share five children. He would encourage all new builders to admit to their mistakes and learn from them as these can be their most valuable lessons.

Joe Concato is returning to the Randy Dorton Hendrick Engine Builder Showdown stage as an alternate after competing in five previous competitions. He has learned that the competition is all about teamwork and communication. Something that Joe will never forget is that Randy Dorton gave him a chance. He loves anything old with an engine, especially a race engine! Concato finds it so important to be a part of an organization that has accomplished so many milestones and to never forget where you came from. He would tell new technicians to “never give up and if someone tells you that you cannot, prove them wrong!”.

Daniel has been married to his wife Janet for 26 years and they have a daughter, Emily and a miniature schnauzer, Holly. This is his first time competing in the Engine Builder Showdown and he is excited for this dream to come true. His father and many Technicians he has worked with have mentored him throughout his career. One of the most important lessons they taught him was to remember the basics when troubleshooting a problem. One piece of advice he would give to a new Technician is to continue learning and improving yourself. His favorite car is the Generation 2 Camaro because he loves the styling and design of the car. One of his bucket list items is to visit the Florida Keys with his wife.

Six-time Randy Dorton Engine Builder Showdown champion, Scott Vester, first won this event in 2006, noting that terrific partner communication is key. Scott teamed with Jeffrey Heinz of Hendrick Chevrolet in Cary, North Carolina to win the 2020 event with an impressive build time of 22 minutes, 58 seconds. Personally, Scott says his parents have always taught him to be a better person than the day before. One of the coolest things in his NASCAR Cup Series career at Hendrick Motorsports has been the ability to be a part of winning so many championships. When asked what advice he would give to a first-time builder, Scott said, “The best advice for a new technician is to stay positive. That mentality will take you farther in life.” Scott would like to visit all 50 states and his favorite car is one he does not have to work on.

Chris has been married to his wife, Karen, for 22 years. He also has a stepson, Nathan and three fur babies. He accredits his father to having the biggest impact on his career. His father was an Aircraft Mechanic for the military, so Chris feels like it only made sense for him to become a Technician as well. In 2021, Chris qualified for the Engine Builder Showdown and was the Jerry Hilson Award recipient, one of the highlights of his career. Chris has been “World-Class” status for Chevrolet for almost 10 years! The biggest lesson Chris learned from his previous Engine Builder Showdown is tool management. His favorite vehicle is the Chevrolet Silverado because it accommodates his favorite hobbies of being in the woods and kayak fishing.

Derek has a beautiful family made up of his wife Caroline and their two girls, Bristol and Elise. This is Derek’s second year competing in the engine builder competition. The competition aspect excites Derek the most is seeing how he performs under pressure with a stranger. He loves Chevrolets and has a 1989 Corvette convertible that he loves to work on. One of his greatest bucket list achievements has been met by becoming an assembler and winning an Xfinity and Cup race.

Curtis has been married to his wife, Blayney for 14 years. They have two sons and one daughter. This is his first year competing in the Engine Builder Competition and he is excited to represent his dealership! One of the most influential people in his career was his high school Auto Shop teacher who taught him valuable lessons and made learning about cars fun. His favorite car is the 2004 Toyota Prius because they are reliable vehicles. His advice to a new Technician is to not over think. The coolest thing he has done in his career is driving a Lexus GS-F and RC-F around Charlotte Motor Speedway during a new model launch event.

Danny Emerick, a six-time Randy Dorton Hendrick Engine Builder Showdown Champion, is married to his wife Crystal and together they have an eight-year-old son, Everett. Over the years of experience at Hendrick Motorsports, Danny has learned how our culture is the primary reason for success across all of Mr. Hendrick’s teams. “Impressive to witness the overall Hendrick culture companywide relate to the company’s success,” Danny said. Throughout his career, Danny credits Mr. Hendrick, Randy Dorton, Jeff Andrews and Chad Knaus for making the biggest impacts. Danny’s favorite vehicles are early 1950's Chevrolet trucks. He loves their simplicity, beauty and the era they represent. One day he would love to see the Northern Lights, drive across Australia and stated that one of the coolest moments he has had to date was meeting former President George W. Bush on pitroad at Daytona International Speedway in 2004.

Adrian has been married to his wife Dana for two years. He has three stepchildren and two grandchildren that he is very proud of. This will be Adrian’s fifth time competing in the Engine Builder Showdown competition. One item on his bucket list is to go on Mr. Hendrick’s deep-sea fishing boat with his wife. He accredits Mr. Hendrick to having the greatest impact on his career. Adrian was employed at Rick Hendrick City Chevrolet at the beginning when Mr. Hendrick used to have his office there. He would advise a new Technician to stay on top of their learning because the automotive industry is an ever-changing market and it is easy to fall behind. The coolest thing he has gotten to do in his career is compete in the Engine Builder Showdown competition.

Darren has been married to his wife, Carol, for 28 years and together they have one son, Mason. Darren has participated in the Engine Builder Showdown event for the past two years as support personnel and has been involved in the live builds for demonstrations. He has learned so many things throughout his time, but namely how to effectively manage tools while building and trying to perfect the art of concentration on the task at hand. In his opinion, the firing of the completed build is the most exciting part! Fulk enjoys working on and driving BMW’s. His bucket list item would be to travel to Hawaii. He would encourage all new builders to learn the basics of vehicles and engines.

Donovan is married to his wife, Adrian and they share three children. This will be his fourth appearance at this event. He would tell a new builder to enjoy the moment and never stop learning. He would also tell them the more they understand the basics, the better they will be at finding solutions to problems. His favorite car is a Porsche 911 GT3 RS Wessiach. His bucket list item is to do a lapping day at Spa Francorchamps. Donovan states Mr. Hendrick has had the greatest impact on his career with all the opportunities he has gotten throughout his time with Hendrick Automotive Group.

Kevin Moler first participated in the Engine Builder Showdown in 2008. Throughout his experience, Moler realized that as a team you must work together for the best result. His career has been a continuous highlight reel, being part of numerous wins and championships at Hendrick Motorsports has been incredible. He is often asked how someone can work and get into the sport. “Anyone just starting in their career needs to focus and get all the training you can, knowledge is priceless,” Moler advises. His favorite vehicle is his Pontiac G8 and he has plans to find a low mile Chevrolet SS to put alongside it. He would love to go sky diving and go to Australia one day.

Shane has had many influences throughout his career including his instructors and fellow Technicians. This will be his fourth time competing in the Engine Builder Showdown event. His advice to a new builder would be to buy quality tools and listen to the seasoned Technicians. He and his wife share six children and they all drive Toyotas! He would love to visit Scotland or Ireland. One of the coolest things he has gotten to do during his career is go on Mr. Hendrick’s fishing boat.

Jason is married and has two children, Knox and Colt. He has over nine years of experience competing in the Engine Builder Showdown event. His favorite vehicle is the Porsche GT3RS. Jason named Gary Patterson as the TeamMate with the biggest impact on him. Gary taught him so much about programming in their short time working together. Ingle’s best memories while with Hendrick Motorsports include winning multiple races and championships with an amazing race team. To all first time builders, Jason would tell them to not take no for an answer and go for what you want until you succeed. He would encourage them all to do their best all the time and never give up.