First, sorry for the long period of no updates. The high school life of school, school, and more school has been keeping all of us from sharing with you all. However, progress on the Mazda has not ceased. Before we get into discussing the progress, I would like to introduce two people we look forward to working with and learning from: Barrington Irving and Rajeev Brown of Experience Aviation.
About a month ago, Gabe C reached out to Mr. Irving and Mr. Brown about possibly connecting with them and learning from their experience and knowledge in the aviation and automotive industry. After the Gabe's initial email, Mr. Brown responded and a few of us, along with Mr. Carvalho (Gabe's dad. He actually originally saw Barrington Irving at a Carnival Cruise Lines' event and brought up the idea of contacting Mr. Irving.), spoke over the phone to Mr. Brown about our project, goals, and how Experience Aviation could help in achieving them. During this brief meeting, we were invited to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Mr. Irving's 97 day solo trip around the world. On March 23, the day of the event, we had the pleasure and honor of meeting in person both Mr. Irving and Mr. Brown.
Just to give a little background, Barrington Irving is the first black man, and at the time of his flight the youngest man, to fly around the world solo. He didn't take on this feat for the recognition and esteem it would bring himself, but he did it to inspire the next generation and especially those who consider themselves not fortunate or unable to do something great. Barrington himself did not start at the top. He had no money. However, he did have the determination to do what his mind was set on - flight. As his story goes, he approached dozens upon dozens of manufacturers and airplane companies for sponsorships and received nearly just as many denials except for a select few who eventually donated individual parts. From those parts he assembled his plane and proceeded to soar around the world. He has inspired kids since, as well as, helped them build multiple airplanes and a supercar. For more information on this humble, remarkable man, please visit his website: http://www.experienceaviation.org. Our team looks forward to learning from Mr. Irving and Mr. Brown's experience with fund-raising, team-building, and race car/airplane assemblies.
Now, for the progress. Quite a bit has happened since the last update in March, so here is the quick rundown. The car is on the floor with the suspension, springs, differential, steering links, tie-rods, and sway-bar in place (nothing has been meticulously aligned yet though). Brakes and clutch are working and functional. Our engine and transmission have finally reconnected with the rear-end after many years via the wonderful drive shaft. A positive of the future bumper has been completed out of styrofoam and the rear cover/fuel cell access has been crudely welded onto the frame. The interior covers for the door panels are in the process of being fabricated from sheets of aluminum. Also in progress are the seat mount and steering-column mount.
It has been awhile since we have looked back at the development of our project and we probably unintentionally left something out, but if any of us remembers another bit of progress we will post it in the next update (it won't be a month before that happens... We promise).
