March 16, 2007
Auto Mechanics Local 701 in Chicago, IL once again sponsored the annual "Chi-Town Teardown Pit Crew Competition", now in its seventh year of showcasing the best in high school, college and tech school auto mechanics.
The standing room only event is held each year at McCormick Place during the World of Wheels Custom Car Show, with twenty-one high schools and eight college/tech schools competed this year to show off their skills. With the crowd shouting encouragement, each team raced the clock to disassemble and rebuild a Ford Engine. Teams were graded on overall accuracy of the rebuild, with most of the judges and timers being Local 701 volunteers.
"The IAM designed and sponsored the event in an effort to promote our trade among race fans and the general public," said Local 701 Directing Business Representative Dennis Jawor. "We also wanted to encourage young people to consider the automotive trade for a career, and promote the schools that are teaching automotive technology."
Ford Motor Company donated the engines and awarded a Ford Mustang to the school whose students randomly drew the right key. Participants also received gifts from Local 701, inlcuding a 2007 Pit Crew Champion leather jacket, and each winning team gets to keep and display at their school the coveted Local 701 Pit Crew Competition Trophy.
