Project Underdog: The Maverick Takes On New Meaning
The Dream Team (L-R): Alexis Hernandez, Sung Kang, Christian Quiroz and Tony Chen.
With the 2016 SEMA Show just over a month away, Project Underdog is shifting into high gear to prepare a custom 1972 Ford Maverick for its world debut in Las Vegas.
Many of the critical components — a 2.3-liter EcoBoost motor, transmission, suspension, brakes, wheels and tires — are already in-hand and being installed by master-builder Steve Strope. The next step is for the Maverick to go into paint and body for about three weeks while GReddy finalizes the custom turbocharger and intercooler setup.
It’ll resurface with a Rocket Bunny body kit and receive final touches, placing it about “seven months ahead of schedule” — a loving jest by the crew at the usual last-minute nature of show-car builds.
While the rest of us track the physical progress of the Maverick, the endeavor has taken on a new meaning for Project Underdog’s “dream team,” which includes Sung Kang, Michael Jen and Alhambra High School students Alexis Hernandez, Christian Quiroz and Tony Chen.
“The Maverick is a symbol of our relationship and the memories we’ve made together,” said Kang. “Regardless of the final outcome of the car, the program is already a success because the real milestones took place behind-the-scenes.”
This group of once-strangers no longer sees a project car; instead, they see family, the selflessness of mentors and unforgettable experiences.
From buying suits for the first time to meeting legendary car designer Chip Foose (a first for Kang too!) to laying down fresh welds on the car, each opportunity facilitated by Project Underdog has changed the lives of these three students in ways unimaginable.
“I hope to inspire a new generation of automotive enthusiasts,” said Hernandez, who recently received a scholarship to Universal Technical Institute (UTI). “I want to encourage everyone to try their best and never give up because they could find themselves in an opportunity just like Project Underdog — you just have to put yourself out there.”
The organic blossoming of what originally started as a straight-forward car build has been really fulfilling for creators Kang and Jen, who hope to turn this into an on-going program for the nation, and possibly the world. The support from the industry and mentors has been incredibly positive — it gives them hope and reminds them that great people are out there, just waiting to be brought together by a shared passion for cars.
During a trend when shop classes are being removed from schools, the existence of a platform like Project Underdog has never been more important. We’re thankful to have visionaries like Sung Kang and Michael Jen to remind us that “with the right ethos, anyone can help open the doors of opportunity for tomorrow’s leaders.”
Experience the bonds that unite the Dream Team by following Project Underdog on Sung Kang’s official Facebook page.
In memory of Carlos Hernandez.
