Goodyear Award 2013

The process begins by creating master models for each of the body types. Next a reverse mold must be made of each of the models.

The master model must be secured to the base plate of the mold box to prevent it from floating when the mold material is poured in.

Mold release is applied to prevent the mold material from sticking to the master model.

The mold box is assembled.

The 2-part clear ployurethane mold material is mixed.

Air is evacuated from the mold material using a vacuum vessel.

Air bubbles rise as maximum vacuum is achieved causing the material to expand to three times its original volume.

The material collapses as the degassing process nears completion.

Mold material is poured into the mold box.

Bubbles trapped in undercut areas of the master model are dislodged.

Silicone sealer is applied to the joints of the mold box to prevent seepage.

Once the top pieces of the mold box are secured, the remaining mold material may be added.

The last of the mold material is poured in.

After the mold has cured, the screws are removed from the mold box.

A putty knife is used to break the silicone seal between the joints of the mold box.

Sections of the mold box are removed revealing the cured mold.

The bottom plate is separated from the master model.

The mold is flexible enough to allow it to be peeled from the sides of the model.

Finally the master model is removed from the mold.

This polyurethane mold material is used for its ability to reproduce the most minute details of the master model.

The inside of the mold is then plated with copper, forming the body.

The inside of the mold is then plated with copper, forming the body.

Using custom made sanding blocks, the tedious process of hand finishing the body begins.

The Toyota, Ford and Chevy bodies are completed and covered with tape to protect the finish.

Next, a set of wheels and tires is made that will be used with whichever car becomes the trophy.

Detailed brake rotors and hubs are created.

Working from detailed drawings and hundreds of photographs various components are built to exacting specifications.

Production of the fuel filler mechanism begins.  This component is one of hundreds that make up the completed car.

Brass stock is turned to the correct diameter in the lathe.

Fine detail of the part is added using the milling machine.

Once the part has been inspected by the supervisor (Max) it can be installed on the car.

The fuel filler part is soldered into the body.

The fuel filler assembly is complete in the first of three car bodies.

Using exacting specifications, a chassis jig is built to accurately produce a chassis that will fit properly into the body.

After the frame is complete, sheet metal is added.

The chassis is fitted to the body and the ride height is checked.

The chassis is mounted into the Ford body.

A roll cage is built from brass.

The roll cage is installed into the chassis.

The Toyota body is mounted onto its chassis and roll cage.

Next the window glass is made for the cars. The Chevy windshield is fitted to the body.

Some of the more intricate parts require a mold to be made to cast the part in wax and then have it metalized.

The mold materials are combined in preparation to pour the mold.

A vacuum chamber is used to remove the air bubbles from the mold material prior to pouring.

The mold material is poured around the part mounted inside the mold box.

Once the mold has cured, the master is removed.  The next step is to pour hot wax into the mold in order to create the shape of the desired part.

After the wax cures, the part is removed from the mold and sent off to be metalized with copper.

The process of making this Nacaduct is shown from the mold, to the wax casting, to the metalized part to the finished component which will be installed in the model car.

The nacaducts are soldered in place on the Toyota.

The instrument cluster is installed in the Chevy.

Buffing and polishing can be the trickiest step in the whole process.  This is where a mistake can cause considerable damage to the model.

The larger surfaces are finished using a floor-mounted Baldor ® motor with a 4" wheel attached.

The more difficult areas are detailed using a small buff on a Foredom ® Flexible Shaft tool.

Once the model and other components have been buffed and polished, they will be delivered by courier to Rex Pedersen who will engrave the graphics onto the various parts.

The championship has been decided and Jimmie Johnson has won.  Rex Pedersen engraves the  #48 Chevy graphics in his shop in Ludington, MI.

The most important logo, “Goodyear” is engraved on each of the tires.

Once again, Rex has done an exceptional job engraving.

The model is now back in Mike's shop where he applies some of the more delicate components to the body that would have interfered with the engraving process.

The wind deflector track is attached to the rear of the car.

The wind deflectors are made of clear Lexan this year as opposed to the painted metal previously used.

The hood and trunk pins are made and ready to be installed.

Holes are drilled and the hood pins are installed.

All of the hood pins are in place.

Interior details.

Interior details.

Interior details.

Interior details.

The major components of the model are complete.  After a few finishing touches are added, the model will get polished and be sent off for gold plating.

All of the components of the model have been plated with 24K gold and are ready for final assembly.

Front view of the Lowe's Gen 6 Chevrolet.

Jimmie Johnson wins his 6th championship trophy from Goodyear.

Mike's signature on the rear spoiler attests to the fact that each model produced is an original, one of a kind, insuring that Goodyear's Gold Car Trophy is possibly the most unique award presented in all of motorsports.

The culmination of 8 months work!

Stu Grant (Goodyear’s General Manager of Worldwide Racing) directs Jimmie’s attention to new details on this year’s Gen 6 car. (Photo by: CIA Stock Photography)

Rich Kramer (Goodyear’s Chairman and CEO) presents Jimmie Johnson with the Goodyear Gold Car Award. (Photo by: CIA Stock Photography)