LACEY – Forked River’s very own “Jerzey Jim” Farrell has conquered the race of a lifetime by winning the first episode of NBC’s “Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge.” With an impressive legacy spanning over four decades, Farrell’s passion and expertise earned him a golden opportunity on the brand-new series.
“Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge” invited car superfans like Farrell to transform their nostalgic rides into larger-than-life Hot Wheels creations that ignited childhood dreams.
Farrell said that as part of the audition process, he was asked to tell a story about a car from his past that was meaningful to him. He reached into his wallet and pulled out a photograph he had tucked away.
“My first car was a 1969 Dodge Charger,” said Farrell. “I’ve been carrying around this picture in my wallet since 1981.”
“I’ve been telling this story about my car and how great it was for 43 years,” Farrell continued. “I talk about how I picked up girls in it. The most important part of the story was how this car helped me bond with my dad.”
When Farrell was 17, his father helped him buy the Charger for $700. The car was a fixer-upper, and Farrell was lucky that his dad had experience building cars in the 1950s. Known as Jim “Angel Baby” Farrell in the car world, the senior Farrell and his wife, Virginia, had even started a car club in 1959.
The shared endeavor of getting the Charger back on the road captivated both father and son, intensifying their relationship. They spent hours and hours together on the first of many projects to come.
After the restoration was complete, Farrell and his dad added the finishing touches with a vibrant yellow paint job. The car became part of Farrell’s identity in his old hometown in Bayonne, where he took it to the prom and his high school graduation.
“I also spent a lot of time drag racing in the streets and had a lot of fun,” shared Farrell. “I then got tired of traditional forward racing and decided to race in reverse.”
The decision may have contributed to the car’s demise. Farrell was racing in reverse when he crashed into an Oldsmobile 442 and totaled the Charger. It was beyond repair.
Four years ago, his father’s passing left Farrell with cherished memories that revolved around the car that served as a cornerstone of their profound bond. Farrell’s face lit up with joy as he reminisced about the countless hours spent cruising with his father and showcasing the hot rod at numerous car shows.
Just one day after Farrell shared his captivating story during the audition, a life-changing phone call came his way in December 2022. The show’s producers wanted him as a contestant. By February, Farrell was part of the filming in London.
Farrell, 58, found himself matched up against Jadejha Edwards, 24, a cyber security engineer from Houston. Once a homeless teen, Edwards chose to focus on building a futuristic 2009 Chevrolet Camaro. It was the car her aunt drove when she first took the young girl in to raise her.
The show was hosted by renowned car aficionado Rutledge Wood, who welcomed the two passionate superfans into the captivating realm known as the Chrome Zone. A team of automotive wizards known as “The Car Pool” utilized state-of-the-art, fully-equipped garages to bring the contestants’ visions to life.
Adding an extra layer of excitement and unpredictability was the Inspirationator 5000, a larger-than-life vending machine that presented the superfans with unexpected twists and challenges at every turn.
Farrell said his dream was for the Charger to pop a wheelie, and he devised the design himself. The concept was unprecedented, adding an extra level of difficulty to the task.
Like many new endeavors, the challenge came with an unexpected hurdle.
“We found out that time is your enemy when you’re working on a television show to build a car,” shared Farrell. “We were on the clock and needed to make decisions that were not necessarily the right ones.”
As part of the design, Farrell had decided to move the engine from its original position and install a Hemi motor in the rear of the car. Rear-situated engines were few and far between in 1969.
The team had a moment of realization as they stepped back and took in the sight of the newly installed wheelie bars. It became clear that their presence would pose a significant obstacle. In the midst of their focused fabrication efforts, they had overlooked the placement of the engine.
“We had to remove the wheelie bars to get that massive engine in place,” Farrell said. “I think taking the motor out of the front of the car in putting it in the back is the best part of the build.”
Farrell explained that for the Charger to do the wheelie, it became necessary to transfer the weight. The engine and transmission weighed at least 800 pounds, making the front top heavy.
One of the finishing touches added to the vehicle came as a surprise to Farrell. The team added a drag plate memorializing the car club founded by his parents. Farrell was able to take the plate home, although the show retains custody of the car.
Ultimate Challenge judges Rutledge Wood, Dalal Elsheikh, and Hertrech “Hert” Eugene Jr. had lots to say when it came to critiquing Farrell’s end result.
“Moving a 426 supercharged motor to the back with huge zoomies was a nice touch,” said Herr. “But once they made it stand almost ten feet in the air, I feel like that sealed the deal.”
Farrell was awarded $25,000 for winning the first episode of the show. This earned him an exclusive opportunity to advance to the thrilling finale. Four finalists will have the chance to vie for an additional $50,000 and the esteemed honor of having their design transformed into an official Hot Wheels diecast car.
In the meantime, Farrell’s back at work as a custom van outfitter. His father’s passion for building cars became so contagious that it became a family affair. Farrell’s wife, Elizabeth and four children all enjoy the car world. And the father and son tradition continues as Farrell builds custom cars with his son, James. At last count, Farrell is up to 400 car rebuilds.
As the story of Farrell’s journey with “Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge” unfolds, a veil of secrecy remains surrounding the final round. The Forked River resident’s agreement with the show prevents him from revealing whether his beloved 1969 Dodge Charger will indeed become an iconic Hot Wheel.
Nonetheless, Farrell’s passion for Hot Wheels continues to shine through with hundreds of packaged Hot Wheels on display in the family’s Forked River home. He’s also put together two toy models of a yellow hot rod that capture the essence of his award-winning design.
Farrell’s newfound celebrity status has taken root within the community in the wake of the show’s airing. Invitations to prestigious car shows in the area have started pouring in, further cementing Farrell’s reputation as a distinguished car enthusiast.
The 1969 Dodge Charger that held so many cherished memories for Farrell was never just a relic of the past. The car that once brought joy and nostalgia now stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and the importance of family ties.
