Teams

Grimm Reapers

Garage Headquarters: Denver, CO

Driver: Dominic Abeyta

Mechanics: Chad Whitcher, Jessie Whitcher, Jennifer Ornelas

Nuts and Bolts:

Denver’s Chad Whitcher likes building things, and his friend Dominic Abeyta likes fast cars. With those two affinities, a soapbox car was inevitable. Chad (30), a carpenter by trade, is taking the responsibility of serving as captain of Team Grimm Reapers, while Dominic (23), a mechanic, will man the wheel as driver. Joining them are Jennifer Ornelas (23), who works in retail, and Jessie Whitcher (24), a nutritionist. Neighbors and friends, they’ve previously rolled balls down the lane together on a bowling team, but October 25 will mark the first time they’ll roll a 176-pound car down a massive hill for a chance at prizes.

“We’re building our racer in my garage,” Chad relates. “It was inspired by old hot rods and is made out of wood with a metal chassis.” (In eco-conscious – not to mention budget-conscious – fashion, over 85 percent of the vehicle will be composed of recycled materials.) Certain that steering is the key to winning the race, the teammates are focusing on the racer’s responsiveness, though Dominic will take care of braking the old-fashioned way, by dragging his feet. Like all contenders, the Reapers will also be presenting a thirty-second skit before blasting off from the start line – so they’re putting together a routine based on greasers and rockabilly. “Who doesn’t like Greased Lightning?” Chad reasons. “We’re going to go fast and kick ass!”