Press Release | Oct 30, 2023

AHF partners with Factory Five Racing to display Custom Built Mk4 Roadster at 2023 SEMA Show

By Austin Hatcher Foundation
By The Austin Hatcher Foundation
AHF partners with Factory Five Racing to display Custom Built Mk4 Roadster at 2023 SEMA Show

Built by childhood cancer patients and families through foundation's Industrial Arts Therapy program

Industrial Arts Therapy program is a STEM-based, educational therapy program that allows children to apply the freedom of movement as a form of rehabilitation.

• SEMA members and partners contribute through donation of parts

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (October 30, 2023) – The Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer (AHF), in partnership with Factory Five Racing, is proud to present a unique vehicle build at the SEMA Show 2023 in Las Vegas, Nev. next week. This extraordinary project showcases the Factory Five Racing Mk4 Roadster and the invaluable contributions of pediatric cancer patients, survivors and their families.

For 16 consecutive years, AHF has built up their unique Industrial Arts Therapy Program, working alongside esteemed partners to create meaningful experiences for young cancer patients and their loved ones. This year’s project is the 16th full car build the foundation has completed since 2006. As one of three SEMA Cares charities, AHF is able to use their SEMA Show build as an opportunity for these children and families to engage in a unique collaborative project while raising awareness about the effects of pediatric cancer.

The final design for AHF's Mk4 Roadster is a white exterior with red leather interior, which will be revealed at the 2023 SEMA Show

The final design inspiration for AHF's Mk4 Roadster, which will be revealed at the 2023 SEMA Show

This year's centerpiece is the Factory Five Racing Mk4 Roadster, a tribute to the legendary 427 Cobra. The "No Strings White" Mk4 Roadster seamlessly combines the timeless style of the Cobra with a modern drivetrain, resulting in a sports car that excites enthusiasts of all ages. The roadster features exquisite custom “Can-Can” red leather interiors, coordinating custom leather luggage, custom handbag, tool roll and accessories.

“What makes this vehicle build extraordinary is the teamwork that brought it to life,” said Daniel Fosbiner, the foundation’s Industrial Arts Manager. “Pediatric cancer patients, survivors, their siblings and family members actively participated in the project, providing them with a unique outlet for learning, creativity and overcoming the challenges they face as a side effect of cancer treatment.”

Through the Austin Hatcher Foundation's Industrial Arts - STEAM Therapy program, children and their families not only learn a STEM-based trade, but also improve their coordination, behavioral skills, memory and more, which may have been affected by childhood cancer.

The Cobra will be showcased at the Factory Five Racing booth, #24229, during the SEMA Show 2023. The vehicle will be available for auction in winter 2023, with all proceeds benefiting AHF's mission of providing comprehensive coordinated care and mental health services at no cost to pediatric cancer patients and their families.

Key Partners and Vehicle Specs:

  • Chassis: Complete Factory Five Racing - 4" Tube Frame, 95” Wheelbase, Black Powder Coated
  • Wheels + Tires: Factory Five Racing 15" Halibrand Style Wheels, BF Goodrich tires, 235/60/15 front, 295/50/15 rear
  • Brakes: Factory Five Racing - Ford Mustang GT Front Brakes With 11" Rotors and Twin Piston PBR Aluminum Calipers, North Racecars Complete Rear Brake Kit, Top Notch Powder Coating
  • Drive Train: Blueprint 347cu in Small Block Holley Sniper EFI Fuel System, Blueprint Full Serpentine Front Accessory Drive with Alternator, Power Steering and Water Pump, Tremec TKX 5-Speed Transmission, Moser 8.8 Rear Differential
  • Interior: Custom "Can-Can" Red Leather Seats + Panels by Fully Loaded Interiors, "Bright Red" Custom Carpet by Fully Loaded Interiors, Heater, GPS Vintage Gauge Set
  • Suspension: Factory Five Racing 3-Link Deluxe Rear Suspension with KONI mono-tube coil-overs, forged lower control arms, and panhard bar, KONI front mono-tube coil-overs with adjustable upper control arms
  • Body: Fiberglass Body Prep by Greg Cunningham, Paint by Akzo Nobel Coating Inc, Sikken Paint Product, Modern Classikk Kindig - “No Strings” White
  • Special Thanks: Concept Designer - Jim Osborn, Concept Artist - Jon Fontaine, Project Manager - Daniel Fosbinder, Project Builders - Daniel Fosbinder & Childhood Cancer Survivors, Siblings, and Family Members

For additional photos, partners and details about the Factory Five Racing Mk4 Roadster, or for more information about the Austin Hatcher Foundation and its Industrial Arts Therapy Program, visit https://www.hatcherfoundation.org/23build.

For updates, videos and live coverage of the SEMA Show, follow the Austin Hatcher Foundation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AustinHatcherFoundation/ and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/austinhatcherfo/.