HOT ROD Power Tour 2017 Is Presented By Chevrolet Performance And Driven By Continental Tire
They might fly a bowtie flag, but Chevrolet Performance’s Motor Medics program is here to help solve some of your mechanical maladies on HOT ROD Power Tour no matter what you drive (yes, even you Blue Oval-types). “They’re a very talented group of guys, the kind of guys that do whatever it takes,” explains Craig Schantz, lead engineering manager for the entire Chevrolet Performance program.
Working out of a custom LSSV “Mil-verado” Silverado ambulance, the Motor Medics run four bays to solve problems from simple alternator or starter replacements to more complicated chassis repairs, and just about everything in between. While one Power Tourer is getting their starter replaced, another may have a Medic welding a crack in a control arm. Plus, the Motor Medics aren’t your average shade-tree mechanics — they represent a cross-section of Chevrolet Performance’s friendliest hardknocks, from engineering to fabrication.
Mike Costello, Lead Integration Engineer for Chevrolet Performance, goes by the nickname Cos, and is the patriarch of the whole operation. He likes to call the Motor Medics program a boot camp for new engineers and technicians, but “mainly [Chevrolet Performance staff] does this for the satisfaction that everyone is happy at the end of the day.” To you, he’s your first point-of-contact as the Motor Medic Service Writer. From there, he’ll delegate the job and help decide what parts you may need to purchase locally.
Rich Downing is no stranger to tough deadlines as the Program Manager for Chevrolet Performance’s SEMA builds and concepts. Though his day-job is ensuring projects stay on-task and on-time with the right tools, parts, and resources needed, at Motor Medics he’s getting dirty repairing horn rings, replacing alternators, and just about anything else the group’s patients need.
If we had to name one, Larry Hebert is the class clown here, but there’s no mistake about his talent. Not only is he a skilled mechanic, but he’s also Chevrolet Performance’s welding and fabrication technician. He’s seen some of the gnarlier Motor Medic patients at Power Tour, repairing broken axle housings and cracked control arms like it’s as easy as making PB & J — but building over a dozen HOT ROD Mag cover cars will have that effect on someone. He’s also the official DJ of the Motor Medics, possibly the most crucial role in the team.
Bill Graham, Performance Technician at Milford Proving Grounds, is your main man for electrical needs (seen here on the right), but he’ll be quick to jump under any car and do dirty work. Him and Larry Hebert are also responsible for the SEMA 2017 Slammer Chevelle build, among a wealth of past show cars.
Steve O’Doherty, AKA Steve-O, is a Chevrolet Performance powertrain engineer, handling many of the crate engine programs offered online or at your local dealership. As you can imagine, he’s your guy for tuning and engine-mechanical needs. Here, he’s solving a hard-start condition on a ’69 C10 pickup, eventually dialing the small-block into a one-bump start.
Frequently asked Questions: http://www.hotrod.com/articles/hot-rod-power-tour-2017-faq/
Driving Directions: http://www.hotrod.com/articles/2017-hot-rod-power-tour-route-download/
Main Event Page: http://www.hotrod.com/events/power-tour/
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The post Here’s Why the Motor Medics are Here to Help Everyone at HOT ROD Power Tour 2017 appeared first on Hot Rod Network.