I am new to this sport and in the process of ordering and building my first car. Having learned that Hurricane moved to Arlington, I drove up from Houston the first week of September to meet Chris and look around. The following is PURELY MY OPINION based on 25+ years of starting companies as well as building and racing a few go-fast boats and cars:
They were literally unpacking boxes full of parts, taking inventory and setting up shop when I arrived. They have a nice facility, more than enough to run the business. The only downside is their front door is literally about 20 yards from the back door of Reher Morrison Racing Engines. Listening to massive V-8s revved to the rafters all day might get tiresome.
Chris is young but to his credit he recognizes that a number of things need to be improved on before commencing production. Chris made it very clear to me up front that until they correct some very critical issues with the jigs and molds, no cars would be produced. The body molds do not appear to have ever been freshened up and need some TLC around the edges. The frame jig appears to have been modified over time and there seems to be areas subject to "operator discretion." I cannot see how two different people could produce the same frame using the jig in its current state, the tolerances are too great. That alone will hamper any hope of redundant or reliable production volume. For those of you who bought cars made with that jig, you can be very proud that your frame has a BUNCH of man hours in it. But Chris and team had already figured out what they needed/wanted to change and were working on that the day of my visit.
I spoke with Chris earlier this past week and had hoped to rendezvous with him east of Houston where he was running his altered alcohol dragster this weekend (the Whites have an abudance of go-fast cars, projects and experience based on all the toys that were parked in the Hurricane shop.) I didn't make it to the race but when we spoke, Chris shared that the body work was progressing albeit much slower than he had hoped. He said the jig work had progressed nicely and he thought they would be making the first chassis in a matter of days with the first body soon to follow. (FYI, Chris is hell-bent on popping a body out of that mold that will require virtually no significant prep before priming. I am okay waiting a while longer if that's the outcome.) If all goes as planned, I intend to have one of the first kits delivered to me as soon as he can get it on a trailer. Clearly this is a well-regarded kit but I think it will be even that much better once production resumes. And I think Chris will go to great lengths to make sure his customers are happy once they take delivery.
I do not know the terms of the purchase of Hurricane, what obligations were assumed (if any) and who owes what to who. I suspect Chris is drowning in emails and calls and I know he is spending lots of time back in the shop. I think these guys fully intend to commence production ASAP and while I am certainly no spokesman for Hurricane, I will keep everyone updated on my progress. >> P.S. I have never had a problem with getting through on the phone numbers shown on the website.
Regards,
Jim