At War Eagle Garage, our current STEM project centers on a unique and exciting challenge: rebuilding a Legend car. Legend cars, known for their history and versatility in the racing world, offer an affordable and accessible way for people from all walks of life to get involved in motorsports. Originally unveiled in April 1992 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, these 5/8-scale replicas of NASCAR modifieds were designed to embody the spirit of legendary drivers like Fireball Roberts and Speedy Thompson while giving both young and seasoned racers a chance to experience the thrill of the track.

Our Legend car, however, wasn’t plucked from a speedway. Instead, we discovered it right in our neighborhood, where it had been sitting untouched for over a decade in a neighbor’s backyard. Bringing it back to life has been no small feat! Our team of veterans—skilled and enthusiastic individuals who rely on teamwork and problem-solving—has stripped down every bolt and reassembled each component with care and precision.

Throughout this hands-on process, our veterans have applied skills from engineering to mechanics, embodying the STEM principles we encourage at War Eagle Garage. The project has grown into more than a car build; it’s become a learning experience, a therapeutic outlet, and a symbol of resilience and transformation for our veteran community.

This winter, we’re preparing for the final steps of our journey: sending the Legend car to Ron Jones' Garage for a professional paint job. Though it won’t be used for racing, we’re transforming it into a show car, where it will represent the talent, dedication, and story of War Eagle Garage at events and gatherings. It’s an extraordinary tribute to our veterans and a testament to the powerful impact of community, collaboration, and creative STEM projects.