The subject refers to the practice of individuals or teams constructing racing vehicles, often for amateur or semi-professional competitions, using readily available materials and components sourced from general hardware retailers. These builds frequently involve modifying existing vehicles or fabricating new chassis and bodies with materials such as lumber, sheet metal, and off-the-shelf mechanical parts obtained from stores catering to home improvement and construction needs.
This approach offers significant advantages in terms of cost-effectiveness and accessibility. By utilizing easily obtainable and relatively inexpensive materials, individuals with limited budgets can participate in motorsports. Furthermore, it encourages ingenuity and resourcefulness in engineering and design, fostering a culture of innovation within the racing community. Historically, this type of building has been a stepping stone for many aspiring engineers and racers, providing practical experience and a foundation in automotive technology. The creative application of everyday hardware to high-performance applications also challenges conventional notions of automotive engineering and inspires outside-the-box thinking.