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Bo-Dyn Lends a Hand...and a Bobsled
NASCAR maveric atlers the U.S. Bobsled Team's progress
Watching people lose isn't easy. Watching Americans lose in bobsleds that weren't made in America is even harder for NASCAR legend Geoff Bodine. That is why he set out to manufacture sleds that could be stamped with a "Made In America" seal. The project works together with Whelen Engineering to create their products and need the help of businesses and corporations to make their sleds a reality.
The Bo-Dyn Sled Project was formed in 1992 when Bodine took notice that U.S. racers competing in Olympic Games were not racing in American-made bobsleds. At that point, the United States team had not won a medal since the 1956 Winter Games in Cortina, a town in Northern Italy. Bodine knew that things had to change and he began to formulate his plan of attack. He wanted to create a sled that would end the United States Olympic-medal drought, as well as fuse current NASCAR technology into something superior to that of European-made sleds.
"Some say that if I hadn't gotten involved, there would be no team."
"I thought at the time (1992) that I could be a driving coach, they were hitting the walls…and most athletes were buying their own equipment," Bodine recalls "Right now we have some of the best sleds in the world."
These sleds aren't open for everyone to have. Bo-Dyn tests, examines and creates the sleds for the drivers to use and doesn't sell them to other teams or countries, although Bodine stated there has been much interest. And interest, publicity and overall appreciation is exactly what Bodine wants. Since the projects humble beginnings in 1992, the Bo-Dyn Sled program has greatly improved Team USA's bobsled reputation. Since the US's exposure to Bo-Dyn sleds they have become a real competitor, with the Olympics capturing three medals at the 2002 Winter Games in Utah and one silver at the 2006 Games in Torino, Italy.
Photo courtesy of Bo-Dyn Bobsled Project Blog |
"Now we have different countries trying to copy and use our design, and that's really neat!" says Bodine.
Although the bobsleds are made exclusively made for the US Team, there are offers that Bo-Dyn Project receives. But Bodine stays true to the American racers and furnish them only, free of charge. The team is truly appreciative of the donations that Bo-Dyn has granted fellow Americans.
"It's great to have the Bo-Dyn Project as a partner with the US team. They've been a great asset in the past, and without them I truly believe we would not have the medals and the accomplishments we've achieved, like our gold, silver and bronze medals from the last two Olympics. It's been a great ride with them, and we hope to continue our success," reveals Bill Tavares, US bobsled assistant coach
Bodine alone can't single-handedly fuel this cause and has lassoed several sponsors such as Chevy Motors, Columbia Sportswear, Lucas Oil Products and Lumber Liquidators into aiding his cause. Apart from companies, he introduces fellow NASCAR and NHRA racers to the sport each year in Lake Placid, NY for the Bo-Dyn Sled Challenge. The objective of the race is to not only amass money, but also to "raise awareness of the project and racing."
"Like NASCAR, the sport (bobsledding) is about racing and the rules and technology change, which mandates research and development which costs money. I need some other NASCAR people to assist me with the project and the best way to do this is to get them into a Bobsled environment and give them a feel for the sport," says Bodine in the organizations website.
As long as there is interest, the Bo-Dyn Project shall continue. When Bodine first got "bobsled-fever" back in 1992, he became infatuated with researching new technology to help improve the current models of the sleds. Now after thirteen years of hard work and dedication, the Bo-Dyn project has helped transform a bumbling US Bobsled crew into a top competitor in the two and four man challenges in the Olympics.
"Some say that if I hadn't gotten involved, there would be no team. They weren't doing so well and they weren't getting the support," says Bodine.
Steven Holcomb, 2006 Olympian and 2007 overall bobsled World Cup Champion exclaimed that "I wouldn't be number one in the world without the help of the Bo-Dyn Project. I think our technology is by far ahead of the rest of the world, and now they are trying to keep up with us."
"Right now we have some of the best sleds in the world."
It's true, the US Team's bobsled fleet was indeed a sore looking mess until Bodine intervened and transformed the sleds. Now, with the crews starting to see gold, silver or bronze again, their spirits are higher and their bobsleds state-of-the-art. With a better outlook and the idea of finally competing, the team seems to be headed in the right direction. And Bodine's generous donations to the bobsled crew, we can see a true Americans colors show.
"We're not for profit. Other people are, but I did it because I am patriotic. Americans should use American-made parts, and now they are."