Orleans Racing Team Shop Tour - Viva Las Vegas!

The 359-cid V-8 engine that powers the truck is topped off by a Wilson-prepared single-plane intake manifold, a Holley double-pumper carburetor, and an MSD ignition system. A Mopar cast-iron R5 cylinder block and Mopar 97 aluminum heads routinely see 9,000 rpm throughout the course of a race. A dry-sump oil system makes the rigors of a long race a reality for this high-winding race engine.

The Orleans trucks run rectangle tube chassis with unequal-length A-arm front suspensions and three-link rear suspensions. The rear suspension is a beefier version of what you'd find on that old Chevy truck you might have in the driveway. Note the big Brembos for stopping power.

This shop is so bad that it has a room dedicated for every task. Need to re-gear the truck for a particular race track? Then, just swap in a new rearend from the drivetrain room.

These trucks run two MSD Ignition systems with a switch to toggle between them in case one goes bad. This room is just for wiring. Look at all those Auto Meter gauges!

There is not one but two mills in the machine room. We'd give our leftover lunch for that Bridgeport. The Acra with the fully motorized table is nice, too. Oh, the metal shavings we could make with these bad boys.

The fabrication room's complete with Lincoln Electric TIG welding station and several Burr Kings for making smooth parts.

The combination of Orleans and Kroyer shops has been a winning one, and they have the championships to prove it. We'd like to think if we had their resources we'd be that good, too.

Holy hardware store, Batman!

With the body cladding removed, you can see the rollcage and minimalistic sheetmetal firewall. The Goodyear Eagle tires are matched to whatever track the truck is destined for.

Kroyer Racing Engines' state-of-the-art facility is located across the street from the Orleans shop, so it makes sense that they team up when it comes time to build a powerplant.

How's this for spare parts? Orleans not only has a grip of coil springs and rear ends but also spare chassis just in case a driver wads up one of the race trucks.