Team work: Fremd tops in area automotive challenge

In early March, the automotive aftermarket industry hosted the "Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge" at the Race and Performance Expo in St. Charles with Fremd High School placing first out of 19 competing local high school teams.

Fremd student team members were Kevin Leparski, Mason Stallmo, Mike Gherardini, Adam Kohring, Calvin Kohring and Evan Wacker. Students disassembled and reassembled their Chevy 350 engine in 44 minutes, 15 seconds, with no penalties, for a perfect procedure.

In 2008, the Fremd team finished second at the completion, while earning a fifth-place finish last year.

For the 2010 competition, the team began practicing during the summer months, with the practice schedule picking up in intensity over the last three months, which included two to three after-school and night practices a week, as well as on Saturdays.

Being crowned a local champion earns the Fremd team a spot in the National Engine Challenge in Las Vegas at the Specialty Equipment Market Association annual show Nov. 2-5.

At this show, students will showcase their skills against other first-place teams from across the nation.

Last year's national competition winners received $43,000 in scholarships each, as well as being showcased at several banquets where they had the opportunity to network with owners and directors of the aftermarket companies that support the automotive industry.

In the past, some students have been offered placement in major companies while attending the show.