Engine speed control with resume from idle or near idle

The present invention relates to systems and methods for controlling engine speed of an internal combustion engine. A system and method for controlling engine speed of an internal combustion engine provide automatically returning to a set speed selected with a hand throttle after operating at idle or near idle. The system and method are particularly suited for operation in driving a mud pump used in petroleum drilling applications where the operator dials-in a desired operating speed corresponding to a desired pumping rate. The engine is returned to idle or near idle to allow additional sections of pipe to be added. The engine then automatically returns to the previously selected set speed without additional manipulation of the hand throttle. In one embodiment, dual hand throttles are provided to support remote station operation and control of the engine speed.