Belly Tanker 3D Scanning Case Study Update

Some of you may remember the case study from June of 2021 where we featured Bob DeGezelle, a retired construction superintendent, and his pursuit of creating a belly tank racer that would compete to break land speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats. We’ve heard from Bob and have some updates to share. 

Laser Design Case Study: https://www.laserdesign.com/high-precision-3d-scanning-using-artec-leo-for-custom-race-car-design 

 

Roll Cage Update

After receiving the 3D CAD model deliverable from Laser Design, Bob engaged with a design and engineering team who specializes in off-road suspension, chassis and component design and manufacturing. With the support of the CAD file created, the final roll cage assembly was able to be designed and built without bringing the belly tank body to the design team. This digital tool allowed for team members from different parts of the United States to efficiently review designs and verify that the requirements set by the Bonneville Salt Flats Association were met to keep Bob moving toward his overall goal. The roll cage was manufactured and delivered to Bob and he installed it and continued preparations for 2022 Speed Week at Bonneville. 

Quotes from Bob:

“With the laser images [3D scans] taken by Laser Design, Drew Burroughs, Goat Built Design & Engineering, and I were able to collaborate over the phone to finalize the design, and manufacture the cage.  This provided a great asset in saving time and costs, since everyone else I talked to wanted me to physically have the car brought to them and kept in their shop for field measuring.”

“Kudos to the team at Laser Design and Drew at Goat Built Design & Engineering!”

Car Update

After the roll cage was installed, Bob was able to finish building the Belly Tank Racer in time for the planned races in the summer of 2022.  Below are some images of Bob’s amazing Belly Tank Racer prior to race events.

“Note that this car could never have been built without your 3D scanning; thanks again, Bob and Laurie.”

Racing Update

While Bob and his wife Laurie were on their way to Speed Week at the Bonneville Salt Flats with the belly tanker finished and loaded on a trailer, they found out that all race events would be cancelled in 2022 due to flooding caused by heavy rains in the Bonneville area. 

We are so grateful to be a part of Bob’s journey and to see the progress he’s made on this amazing and unique racer. We were disappointing to learn that Bob’s race week dreams had to be put on hold for a year, but we expect to hear positive updates in 2023.