Old Favorites vs. New Blood: The Four Way Challenge
I have to say that I am rooting for the underdogs in this year’s Discovery Channel build-off challenge “Chopper Live: The Revenge.” Obviously, Paul Teutul Sr., Paul Teutul Jr., and Jesse James all build outstanding bikes. The interesting new addition to this year’s challenge is the inclusion of the guys from “Fast and Loud.” Despite being rookies in the build-off scene, Richard Rawlings and Aaron Kaufman from Gas Monkey Garage seem to stand out in this crowd by adding a distinct sense of homegrown authenticity to the contest. In anticipation of this exciting event, it seems appropriate to reflect on why each of this year’s contestants should or shouldn’t win this challenge.
Paul Jr. of PJD
I have mixed feelings about PJD. Obviously, Paul Teutul Jr. is a great craftsman and a premier motorcycle builder. The most apparent reason that Paul Jr. should win this challenge is that he won last year’s challenge. The public loves his work. Personally, I feel like the bikes that PJD builds aren’t a significant departure from the choppers at OCC. I would enjoy seeing a new contender take first place for this year’s contest.
Paul Sr. of OCC
Paul Teutul Sr. is the owner of the legendary Orange County Choppers. There isn’t much more to say. Paul Sr. is obviously a strong presence in the world of custom motorcycles. In simplistic terms, OCC clearly has the ability and resources to produce a truly outstanding product. The real question is whether he will take the contest seriously this year. Since Paul Sr. initiated the challenge for “Chopper Live: The Revenge,” it seems likely that he plans to be a real contender.
Austin Speed Shop
Anyone that has an iron forgery and a machine gun range in their backyard stands to be a presence in a challenge. Jesse James has both, and more. I was excited to see James return to the air with “Jesse James: Outlaw Garage” this year. Considering his accomplishments in the past, it is apparent that James has the necessary skill to win this year’s competition. He produces a consistently legendary product. The only shortcoming I see for Jesse is that he is still in the process of rebuilding his reputation. It will be interesting to see if James has the confidence necessary to land Austin Speed Shop in the winner’s circle.
Fast and Loud
Having watched the movie “Cannonball Run” about 3,000 times as a child, I can’t help but to appreciate the fact that Richard Rawlings is the current world record holder for the real-life event. Plus, Rawlings and Kaufman run a shop that builds vehicles that I would actually want to be seen in out on the road. Judging by their latest creations, it seems reasonable to expect an old-school kool, road-ready, and rideable bike entry from Gas Monkey Garage. I suspect that the collective talent of Aaron Kaufman and Richard Rawlings will add a whole new dimension of creativity to this year’s biker build-off.
Having previously worked as a mechanic and a metal fabricator, I will admit that I truly appreciate the innovative talents possessed by each of the contestants in this year’s challenge. Any of the builders mentioned in this article are certainly worthy of winning this contest. Regardless of the outcome, I will definitely be tuned-in to check out “Chopper Live: The Revenge.”
