Racing Division Inc

Carroll Shelby & Bob Bondurant Portraits

2011-07-07T12:13:00.000-07:00

New from the studios of Racing Division Inc are portraits in progress of two great American racers. The legendary Carroll Shelby (portrayed in his iconic overalls) and Bob Bondurant (portrayed in his blue & white helmet). Both paintings are done by Racing Division's Hans Sures out of his London Studio.

Carroll Hall Shelby

Bob Bondurant

Sir John Morton pays a visit.

2011-06-23T13:24:00.000-07:00

Although not really a "Sir", he is kind of royality in So. Cal. John Morton stops by Racing Division HQ in El Segundo. Here he admires Han's latest painting of John driving the Cobra 427 prototype.

Heritage Fine Art Series

2010-10-08T09:38:00.000-07:00

As shown on the site in the past, we are continuing to develop fine art in our "Heritage Series". To date we have 6 original paintings in the series with more in the works.

Ford GT MK II - P/1015 - 1966 24 hrs LeMans -
Drivers: Ken Miles, Denny Hulme
Original: Available, Prints: Available

CSX2019 - Dragon Snake #1 - 1964 - Aimer: Tony Stoer
Original: Available, Prints: Available

CSX2299 - June 20 & 21, 1964 - 24 Hours of Le Mans - 1st GT
Drivers: Dan Gurney & Bob Bondurant
Original: Sold, Prints: Available

SFM5R539 - 24 Hours of Le Mans - #17
Drivers: Claude Dubois & Chris Tuerlinckx
Original: Available, Prints: Available

SFM5R002 - Feburary, 14th - Green Valley Raceway, Dallas TX - 1st
Driver: Ken Miles
Original: Sold, Prints: Available

CSX2128 - April, 1964 - Phoenix FIA - 1st GT / 8th OA - #15 - Ken Miles
Original: Sold, Prints: Available

We offer both the original acrylic on canvas starting at $3000. (+shipping) and fine art canvas prints for $125. (+ shipping). Commisions start at $5000. Email me for more information; holmes@racingdivision.com

Chinese "Gone In 60 Seconds" Movie Poster

2010-10-08T09:29:00.000-07:00

I frequent the Long Beach Performance Swap meet always looking for unique vintage automotive goodies. Here is one I'm sure never to see anywhere else. An original mounted movie poster from the Chinese 1974 release.

We can print you copies for home , office or garage. Pretty much any size, canvas or fine art paper. Send me a note at holmes@racingdivision.com

R-Model Hollywood road test

2010-05-27T17:10:00.000-07:00

A quick video shot by Hawk of the R-Model

So how does it compare?

2010-05-24T13:04:00.000-07:00

I've decided to show a few images of the recreation I have just completed with a million dollar original R-Model. You tell me, how does it compare?

from the passenger side

engine view

view of long-range fuel tank

driver side

rear view, driver side

side view

Mission Accomplished

2010-05-24T12:22:00.000-07:00

After nearly 3 years my vision has finally been realized with the completion of the R-Model

R-Model sitting out front of Racing Division HQ, El Segundo Calif.

Another view from the pilot side.

A closer inspection of the interior; R-Model gauges, door panels and window pull up straps, bucket seat and "fire-proof" interior.

Under the hood is all business, full race hipo 289, too many rare components to mention.

Full Race V2

2009-12-17T10:10:00.000-08:00

Here is version 2.0 of our full race promo

SFM5R539-Claude Dubois

2009-12-10T12:15:00.000-08:00

Still drying is Racing Division's - Hans Sures rendition of Claude Dubois' 1967 24 hour of Le Mans entry 1965-GT350R.

Racing Division Promo Trailer

2009-12-02T09:58:00.000-08:00

We are currently in the process of editing our "Full Race" promo trailer. This past summer during a LA Sheby Club trace event at Willow Springs, Lance Stander of Superformance brought us three spectacular examples of his Shelby products; the Shelby Daytona Coupe, CS GT40 and the CSX 427 Cobra. On 8mm and HD motion cameras was Vincent Blackhawk Aamodt on still camera was Hans Sures.

CSX2299 finished

2009-12-02T09:21:00.000-08:00

We are proud to present our latest fine art rendition of the glory days of Shelby American. CSX2299 shown here at the hands of Bob Bondurant & Dan Gurney winning the GT Class at the 1964 24 Hours of Le Mans.

This Daytona Coupe when on to take 1st Place GT Class 1964 Goodwood Tourist Trophy, 1st Place GT Class 1965 Daytona Continental and 1st Place GT Class 1965 Sebring 12 Hours.

Still in R&D. CSX2299

2009-11-16T13:13:00.000-08:00

From the R&D Group at Racing Division Inc comes another fine illustration of one of Pete Brock's Daytona Coupes, CSX2299.

New Trans Am poster

2009-09-21T13:29:00.000-07:00

New from Racing Division, is our recent illustration turned poster of the 1967 Trans Am car of Jerry Titus. Unvailed at the LA SAAC car show where son (champion driver, automotive columnist and radio host) Rick Titus was on hand to accept his copy and to sign many of the remaining 20 copies. Original illustration by our own Hans Sures.

The Engine is finally in.

2009-09-21T13:01:00.000-07:00

As I have posted in the recent past, there has been much progress on the R-Model replica, today is no exception. After having been on the rotisserie for nearly two years the car finally rests on it's own wheels. Not only that, within hours of being lowered to the ground the engine and transmission is firmly installed.

Finally the engine is in place.
A few items placed on top to get a clear idea of what's to come.

LA Shelby Car show

2009-09-21T11:33:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday, Sept 19, the LA Shelby Club (LASAAC) held it's 5th annual car show. With perfect weather over 100 cars with Shelby history made their way to Santa Monica's 100 year old wooden pier.

The Racing Division, Inc. "Company Car"

Two very fine '65 GT350s

The '66 class had this nice Hertz Rent-a-Racer

Comp COBRA's where well represented.

A patriotic line up of 67-68 GT350's & 500's

The Racing Division booth.

R-Model progress

2009-08-06T09:01:00.000-07:00

With the vast majority of body work done, interior paint done the assembly continues. This morning I decided to take a few shots to show the progress on wiring the car, engine bay, brake assembly and what Shelby American called their "long range" fuel tank.

This is what the tank should look like completed, in reality it is two 16 gallon tank bottoms welded together to make 1 32 gallon tank. This is an original tank, not my car or a tank that I own. My goal is to use the drawings below to make one.

I came across a blue print of the original build done by Shelby American in El Segundo (blocks away from our studio) that depicts the correct construction of the R-Model fuel tank.

Now on to the car itself.

Most of the suspension work has been completed, we opted to go with brakes from a Granada vs buying vintage brakes simply because they where already in our collection of parts.

The wiring and plumbing is starting to be placed in it's correct position.

With the main harness installed now comes the challange of wiring the R-Model gauges. Not part of the original Mustang or even GT350 package, the R-Model gauges will require quite a bit of cutting, splicing to make operational.

R-Model Update

2009-06-12T09:25:00.000-07:00

Well it's been the better part of 2 years and we're starting to see the hard work pay off. Richard has just welded in the roll bar and painted the interior, trunk and engine bay with PPG satin black. The original '66 dash had seen better days and was replaced by a '65 dash. Dash pad mounts where removed and repaired. Car will have no radio, heater, heater controls or glove box.

Notice the slots cut in wheel wells, they are for the overirde torque reaction bars that mount directly to the axle housing. This car will not have any carpet or headliner so the final paint will be exposed at all time.

Although it doesn't look like much what you are seeing represents hundreds of hours of welding, body work and paint. The body will keep the red oxide primer with overspray as done at the factory in '65. The holes have been cut for front brake cooling ducts.

All interior fiberglass has been resprayed and ready for installation.

The package tray has been modified for access to rear shocks and to allow spare tire to be mounted securely.

For all images on this project visit:
http://racingdivision.com/R-Model/index.html

Working for the man.

2009-03-11T11:07:00.000-07:00

On one of our many trips to Shelby Licensing we stopped for a quick shot with the man himself. (left to right) Michael Holmes, Carroll Shelby, Hans Sures

Shelby American & Racing Division Apparel

2009-03-10T11:25:00.001-07:00

Here are a few of our designs we do for Shelby American Inc.
http://racingdivision.com/shelbyapparel/index.html

And a few we do for ourselves
http://racingdivision.com/rdla-apparel/

Shelby Automobiles Commercial

2009-03-05T09:20:00.000-08:00

Racing Division Inc launches commercial for Shelby Automobiles.

Created for the BullRun program on SpeedTV the commercial highlights Carroll Shelby's career from winning the 24 hours of Le Mans in 1959 through his work with Shelby Automobiles Inc today.

We don't just work with computers

2009-03-05T09:14:00.000-08:00

A quick look at what's going on in the studio this week.

A relaunch of Racing Division Inc's site

2009-03-04T19:23:00.000-08:00

Greetings from Racing Division HQ. Today we have decided to incorporate our blog into the global navigation of www.racingdivision.com as our new workshop. We plan to keep the blog updated with content from three countries, the US, UK and Japan.

Additionally we are working on our store, allowing all of our apparel designs to be purchased here as well as a few boutiques locally and abroad.

Goodwood Revival Meeting, 2008

2008-09-25T14:11:00.001-07:00

The Racing Division Team has just returned to LA from London. Our pilgrimage to motor sports holy land is once again complete. Once a year pilgrims from around the world make their way to the estate of Lord March set in the scenic English countryside. The estate is home of the Goodwood motor circuit as well as the WW11 air field known as RAF Westhampnett.

This year I decided to shoot film instead of the previous years of digital only. I feel the results are much more satisfying and have a unique feel that it would be hard to replicate digitally.

1963 Cobra Le Mans Coupe. After the 1-hour TT endurance race.

1963 Ferrari 250 GTO, at rest.

Engine rebuild between races.

1963 Cobra Le Mans Coupe. Mechanic & Driver conversing after race.

1963 Jaguar XKE ltwt "low drag" coupe (foreground) 1963 Cobra Le Mans Coupe. After the 1-hour TT endurance race.

1962 Ferrari 250 GTO, returning to pit lane.

1964 Shelby Daytona Coupe, in pit with timing problem.

Starting grid TT one-hour endurance race. 1961 Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato in foreground.

1963 Cobra Le Mans Coupe. At speed.

1963 Ferrari 250 GTO, being pushed into pit row.

Vintage apparel is mandatory for the three-day event.

Air staff

Spitfires at the ready.

Spitfire flyover.

Preparing for Sat, Sept 6th

2008-09-03T10:39:00.000-07:00

This upcoming Saturday is the Las Angeles Shelby Club annual car show on the Santa Monica Pier. Since Racing Division are sponsors we will have an apparel booth, this year is no different. To celebrate the event we have come out with several new designs.

This first shirt depicts CSX2431 in 1964 racing at Road American. Wearing the #98. The Cobra placed first in the GT class and fourth overall.

Next is the first GT350, 5R002, which was mixed up with 001 when receiving the first two Shelby VIN numbers. Wearing #98B for b-production class was the first appearance for the new Shelby Mustang racer, taking the overall victory on Valentines day, 1965.

Lastly is the only race for the FORD GT X-1 roadster. Wearing 1P for the prototype class the car took first place in the 1966 12-hours of Sebring.

Building an R-Model GT350 V1.0

2008-07-17T15:28:00.000-07:00

I've been driving a 66 Fastback wearing Shelby colors for some time. The car has a Paxton-supercharged 289, 4 speed and goes pretty well. When I started building the car, about 10 years ago, I wasn't sure if I was going for street or race, and it shows, the car is a bit of both.

Now comes time to build the the most correct R-Model I can afford.

Most R-Models you see out there have some glaring omissions, the gauges, interior, engine, plastic windows sitting in alloy frames, the le mans carb. Usually something major & typically expensive. Most of the parts acquisition is complete and thanks to EBAY and my friends in the LA Shelby Club, I have everything for about half of retail. The next few images (from several authentic R Models) and descriptions should help even the casual viewer differentiate between the "S" street Shelby's and the "R" race Shelby's.

The interiors are all business, no carpet, headliner, dash pad, radio, heater. Very little to catch fire. Horn in mounted to dash because of the steering wheel design. Gauges are competition quality mounted to alloy panel.

Fiberglass bucket replaces standard seat for driver. Adds lateral support while reducing weight. Fiberglass deck replaces rear seat.

Additional weight saving come from removing the entire window assembly including glass, frame, crank and padded door panel. In it's place are plastic window with alloy frames, a canvas pull-up strap and finally fitted with an alloy door panel.

At the rear, the glass was removed for additional weight savings, replaced by more plastic. The window was formed with an opening to allow trapped hot air to escape, cooling the driver while not blowing out from the force of a race car at speed. On the sides you see allow panels riveted in place of the standard Mustang side vents. This was to eliminate airflow drag.

A few mods found under the hood (not to mention the performance enhancements in the engine) are a 1965 Galaxie radiator with oversize oil cooler, modified valve covers to allow faster oil addition during pit stops, an alloy cobra intake and a 715 Le Mans carb with allow plenum. The intake and carb where also found on the street cars.

In the trunk where you would normally find luggage and a spare tire sits two gas tanks, really one made from the bottom halves of two tanks. To increase efficiency in refueling, a le mans style filler with splash bucket are added to the tank. To the right of the tank sits the battery.

Lastly, which is something rarely seen in a rear-view mirror is the front of an R Model. The front valance is fiberglass and has a gaping hole to cool the radiator and oil cooler. The slots to each side have flexable ducting that direct cool air over the super-heated front break rotors.

July 12th Open House

2008-07-14T10:25:00.000-07:00

First a thanks to the City of El Segundo for their hospitality and the LA Shelby Club for their participation in Saturday's open house.

open house poster (btw there are still a few left)

richmond st lined with new and vintage muscle

ford gt, gt500's, t-birds, gt350's, galaxies & tigers

austin healy with hipo 289, el segundo's finest

galaxie making its way through the narrows

vintag top-fuel driver adam sorokin with son mike in rd company store

queuing up for lunch

randy's gasser ranchero in good company

early mustang coupe race car at rest

shelby's out front of rdla, el segundo

super nice 1 owner '69 gt500

rd's company car next to first gen '65

vintage t-bird with kidney-bean halibrand knock-offs

'65 sandwiched between two '66's

All-in-all it was a great day, we had fantastic weather and a great turn out. We'll do it again soon, this time there will be plenty of notice and a larger area for cars. Thanks again to all of those who attended.

Final Store Front, Before, During & After

2008-07-09T08:05:00.000-07:00

I came across a few shots showing the transformation of the store front.

dig the color combination

quick fix of muting the colors & the checkered flag

painting the corp logo and muting the checkered flag

Hand-Painted Sign

2008-07-08T17:45:00.000-07:00

Surprisingly it has been only 24 hrs since we set off to paint our logo on the front our building. As shown in the previous post the logo was printed out at 15' on a roll of 44" manila paper. But now without problems. For some reason still unknown the printer would stop half-way through the printing, but perseverance did pay off once again.

hans fitting template to wall

here i am doing the same

getting a feel for overall look of the sign

more action shots, this time with damon's 65 F250

detail of painting

removing the template

filling in the gaps

start to finish 4.5 hours. a perfect blend of technology and old school artistry.

RDLA Open House Prep

2008-07-08T09:00:00.000-07:00

This weekend, July 12th, Racing Division will be hosting our first open house. The event is a joint gathering between Racing Division and the LA Shelby Club. The event will bring together those who appreciate design, vintage cars & apparel.

invitation for the RDLA open house

Part of the preparation for the event is finally getting the company name painted on the building. Hans, who is London based, along with his key role of Creative Director & Designer is also an accomplished illustrator & photographer. Since we are both driven by the design aesthetics of the 60's the logo HAS to be painted. As if for a LA Speed Shop circa 1966. Thankfully we have an Epson 9600 capable of printing our the logo at the required 15'.

logo cut-out in progress

hans making his cut

Lastly we will be launching a new line of shirts this Saturday. To date we have only produced apparel bearing the Shelby American brand. We will have 7 new shirts, the only problem I see, is deciding which one to wear this weekend.

HQ

2008-05-22T18:20:00.000-07:00

Starting in January of '08 Racing Division has a new head quarters. Now located in downtown El Segundo it's just our size. The shots below are just after we moved in. I'll keep 'em updated.

view of design area from lobby

We have a bit of space up front as our showroom/retail/hanging out with friends & clients. The main portion of the space is dedicated to research & design

design central

from the back wall looking forward

Racks for research material and books, a few posters ready to be hung. In the background sits our Triumph Bonneville Café Racer.

Our digital darkroom, where are the scanning and fine art printing takes place.

million dollar car

2008-05-22T10:43:00.000-07:00

I've done a bit of driving, most at club events at Willow Springs Raceway. Much of the driving has been done in vintage mustangs like the 1965 & 66 flavor of the G.T.350 But when given the opportunity to drive a 1965 427 full-race Cobra, well that's worth leaving the office a bit early for.

Gently leaving the driveway.

An acquaintance of ours owns two of these beauties and rarely does he get to show them side-by-side. Hans and I left the west side and headed for the mountainous east where we met the owner and began our journey to Bob's Big Boy in Teluca Lake.

In traffic.

This particular Cobra is a series 3000 CSX car. The power plant is a race prepared 427 ci Ford side oiler, backed up by a 4-speed top loader transmission. One the dozen or so full competition 427 Cobras produced, this car raced at Sebring and Daytona in 1966.

Loud pipes saves lives.

I was surprised how well the car handled and how easy it was to drive. Rated at just over 500 bhp and equally the same in torque, there is no lack of response from the throttle.

Racing Division Inc

2008-05-22T10:29:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Racing Division HQ. This blog will give us an opportunity to share with you some of our current / past work. A bit about our team members and some of the fun stuff we do when not working hard for our clients.