The Detour T: More Than a Build, It’s a Movement
When life throws up a roadblock, true hot rodders don’t stop— they take the detour.
That’s exactly what’s happening with The Detour T, a one-of-a-kind rat rod being built by friends, family, and fellow gearheads to support Chris Walker—legend in the rat rod world, Rat Rod Hall of Famer, and the driving force behind IT
The Build Story
It all started at a car show—ironically, the very first one Chris and Robin couldn’t attend due to his illness. Standing in the lot, a group of friends decided they weren’t going to let Chris miss out on the action. They gathered a donated 1929 Ford body, spare parts, and their own elbow grease to create a car with a story as gritty and resilient as Chris himself.
The project was christened The Detour T, honoring Chris and Robin’s belief that this fight with cancer is not the end of the ride—just a detour on life’s path.
Out of rust, sweat, and friendship, this build is taking shape—powered by community, faith, and a relentless love of hot rods.
🔥WHY THIS MATTERS🔥
Chris has inspired countless builders and dreamers with his wild, one-off rat rods. If you happened to catch him at a car show, he likely stopped mid-sentence in conversation with you, to stop and invite a child to climb in one of his cars- just to watch the spark of hotrodding ignite in their eyes. Now it’s our turn to give back.
By joining this build, buying a raffle ticket, or simply spreading the word, you’re helping keep his legacy alive—reminding the world that even when life throws you off course, the detour can lead to something extraordinary.
How You Can Join the Ride
DONATE PARTS
Amazon Wish List: Want to get your hands dirty without leaving your garage? You can jump in by purchasing parts directly from the team’s [Amazon Wish List] (link).
GET IN THE GAME!
Raffle Tickets: The finished Detour T will be raffled off, with every ticket purchased helping Chris and his family through this challenging detour. (Details on ticket sales and the public drawing event coming soon!)
WE'RE SAVING A SPOT FOR YOU!
The Rust Redemption Project: Out of this effort also came a larger vision—to use the same community-driven spirit to help others in need. Stay tuned as The Rust Redemption Project takes shape. Join us at our 1st project- Car show for Chris.
Meet The Detour Build Team
A crew of talented builders from across MN and WI have joined forces to bring The Detour T to life:
Jason Walker – Isanti, MN
Jeremy Jerezak – Chicago City, MN
Jesse Asher – Ramsey, MN
Simon Havican – Zumbrota, MN
Brad Anderson – Willmar, MN
Benny Jacobson – Willmar, MN
Travis Nord – Taopi, MN
Jeremy Weckman – New Prague, MN
Joe Lindstrom – Hammond, WI
