Tony Wells knew by the tenth grade that he wanted to weld, from the moment he tried it.  His high school education at Bethlehem Area Vocational Technical School coupled with his Hobart Institute diploma from the Combination Structural and Pipe Welding Program in 2001 promptly prepared him for his impending career. 

His first professional welding job involved heavy structural steel.  He also worked in a drag racing shop.  While he enjoyed the welding aspect, Tony felt something was missing; mainly, not much variety and never seeing the finished product at the end of each day.  His fascination with motorcycle riding and car and motorcycle shows shouted the answer – seek a position in the custom automotive industry!

Tony pursued his interests and found a perfect match for his talents at Highland Daytona Racing (HDR), a limited production sports car manufacturer and custom chassis design shop, specializing in the production of extremely high end Shelby Cobra and Daytona Coupe replica cars; along with several other models of hot rods, turnkey race cars, custom frames, and full on custom shop services. The big advantage Tony has quickly found is that this job provides plenty of variety!  Every day he sees a build take to the finished product, giving a true sense of continuing accomplishment. 

The company’s owners, being extremely picky about the people they allow into the company, happily added Tony to the team on January 29, 2007.  His education and experience, along with his enthusiasm for the work and his drive to fulfill his dream made Tony a good choice for the position. 

Tony’s daily work has him using plasma cutters, TIG & MIG welders, hydraulic sheers, English wheels, Planishing hammers, hydraulic tubing notchers and, of course, drill presses and brake presses.  Tony and HDR prefer Miller welding equipment. All forms of tubing and flat work are performed by Tony at HDR using mostly round tube 4130N pre-normalized seamless aircraft alloy steel for all frame/suspension and safety cage installations.  Most flat bracket work is formed from Swiss Duramax® steel plate, along with minor parts fabricated from 1020 work- hardened DOM (drawn over mandrel) round tube.  ERW (electric resistance weld) welded seam square or round tube is NOT utilized for anything but table legs and the occasional jig at Highland Daytona Racing!

When Tony was asked about his goals, he replied, “I plan to grow with Highland Daytona Racing, learn new things, and eventually teach others.” 

Tony believes it is important to take advantage of each and every learning opportunity.  “No matter what field of welding you are involved in and whether you feel it is suited for you or not, learn as much as possible for your coworkers and mentors.  You can benefit immensely from an experienced welder and it will help you a great deal throughout your career,” Tony says. 

The owners of HDR, armed with a long race and fabrication history, along with extensive aviation background with degrees in structural airframe design and advanced aerodynamics, are continuing together as an eclectic and super-talented team of specialists enabling HDR to move deeper & deeper into all aspects of high end custom car production and racing venues.  

As Highland Daytona Racing cruises through 2007 and into the future, they are producing suspension/chassis systems for 1970-81 Camaro and Firebirds, 1967-69 Camaro and Firebird, 1964-74 Mustangs, along with several Hot Rod models also.  The original design Cobra Roadster and Daytona Coupe frame and suspension by Rick Ellis and legendary race chassis design engineer Mr. Terry Satchell appeared in 1998 and are still available in all HDR Turnkey Cobra replica cars, being world-renown for their extreme cornering ability and finish detail. The HDR/Satchell Link Suspension System in a 1974 Trans Am restored at HDR will be featured on Horsepower TV this year.  The experts at HDR are looking forward to hosting a show at their shop on July 22, 2007, and later attending trade shows, such as SEMA (Specialty Equipment Marketing Association) at the end of October 2007, and PRI (Performance Racing Industry) Show in December 2007.

HDR originated in Montana in 1998, and expanded to a second location just over the border into Wyoming; then gained a unique opportunity for a large company expansion which brought HDR to Allentown, PA in July 2006.  Allentown could be called an auto enthusiast Mecca, and for those who doubt it, drive around during cruising season.  HDR will move one more time, to a new custom designed facility in the upscale Stabler Center, located in Center Valley, PA, approximately ten minutes from their current location.  This facility will be large, showy, and strategically located across from the Stabler Center golf course and new Promenade shopping center.  Highland Daytona Racing, LLC, 974 Marcon Boulevard, Allentown, PA. 

Phone: 1-800-825-1359   www.hdrcoupe.com