Minnesota is known for its nice people, plentiful gophers, bountiful lakes, and more recently, fast engine builders. The COMP Cams Engine Builder Duel will test Upper Midwest gearheads’ knowledge and quickness again this summer, as the popular competition returns to the St. Paul Street Machine Nationals on July 17-19.

Each year the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in Minnesota’s capital city of St. Paul plays host to thousands of performance vehicles and automotive enthusiasts during the Street Machine Nationals. The COMP Cams Engine Builder Duel has become a cornerstone of the event, and last year the fastest build in the history of the competition was recorded in the North Star State. Jim Schmittinger and Jesse Nelson assembled and fired their engine in a time of just 20:59, shattering their previous best time. While the record seems unattainable, a number of the blistering-fast engine builders have their sights set on lowering that number even further.

Four competitions are scheduled throughout the weekend, with the first taking place on Friday, July 17, at 3 p.m. Two more Duels will be held at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 18, and the final contest kicks off at 11 a.m. on Sunday, July 19. During each competition two-person teams go head-to-head to determine which one can assemble and fire a Small Block Chevy in the shortest amount of time. Engines are required to run for 30 seconds. The quickest builders each win $250 COMP Cams product certificates, while the runners up receive $125 COMP certificates.

To register, email [email protected]. For more information on all events, visit www.enginebuilderduel.com.