Hard work pays off

Times Reporter

 

After six long years, lots of hard work, commitment and dedication, Joel Blakney’s dream became a reality at the 46th Annual World of Wheel in Calgary Feb. 17-19.

The 20-year-old showed his project car – a 1968 Pontiac GTO at the prestigious event and picked up five awards for his efforts.

It was a weekend to remember.

“It felt really good having your name called in this big auditorium full of people and getting an award,” said Blakney. “There must have been 300 or 400 cars in the show, so it feels pretty good when you’re getting the top awards in your class.”

Blakney was given awards for Best in Class, Outstanding Paint, Outstanding Display, Rising Star (eligible for under 25 years old) and the Meguiars Award (a Top 10 pick for paint, fit and finish and overall appearance).

Blakney acquired the car in 2006, when he was 14 years old. From there, he essentially gutted the car and began the long process to customize the vehicle. 

With the assistance of this father Todd, Blakney rebuilt a Pontiac 455 Engine, which cranks out 530 horsepower and 550 lbs of torque.

“It was really neat – there were a lot of guys (at the show) who didn’t believe me that I did 90 per cent of the work,” said Blakney. “A lot of the guys couldn’t believe how young I am and stuff like that. So there were lots of questions and a lot of good feedback from the people.”

According to Blakney, the plan now is to display the car at various shows through out the year, including Strathmore’s annual Fun Runners Car Show and Shine in Kinsmen Park later this July.

After attending as many shows as he can, the plan is then to eventually take the car on the road and use it – weather permitting of course.

However, it will be tough putting the car through the paces, as the car has significant value to Blakney.

“It means a lot to me because I put so many years and so much time into it,” he said. “Even the last few months that I was building it … I was just so focused on (finishing it). I’ve been around cars basically my whole life, going to the shop and helping my dad (at the family owned Muscle Motors, just west of town). This car was just sitting behind our (old) shop and my dad asked me if I wanted to restore the car.”

According to Blakney, he had his eye on another vehicle, but he’s glad he chose the Pontiac. Now that it’s done, he plans to restore a few more vehicles in the upcoming years.

A couple of cars that piqued his interest are the 1970 Cuda (Plymouth Barracuda) and the 1966 AC Cobra. 

“This is all I’ve ever known,” said Blakney. “It’s in my blood.”