BK Fabworks Class 7 Toyota
by Michael Flores

Most fabricators will draw up their plans for their next desert machine on paper. Most will not do their initial drawings on a napkin. Barry Karakas, of Oak Hills, California is not like most fabricators. Believe it or not, the original design concept of the B.K. Fabworks Toyota Tacoma was drawn up on a napkin at a local Carrows restaurant. It was a fitting start for the red racer, which was to be built entirely in house at B.K. Fabworks, solely with the hands of master craftsman Barry Karakas. It took him approximately two and a half years to complete the project, and his hard work has been well rewarded by the satisfaction of assembling a fine class 7 truck. Barry's red racer doesn't feature a high horsepower, high displacement V6 like most of his class 7 counterparts. The Tacoma is powered by a Tundra 3.4L V6, pulled directly out of a junk yard no less. What the truck lacks in motor, it makes up in suspension. The uniquely styled J-Arm set up nets approximately 20" of front wheel travel, while the more traditional 3-Link rear nets just over 30" of wheel travel. Like the snake, this red racer speedily winds its way through the most inhospitable of places. The truck is suspended and dampened on all four corners by Sway Away coilover and bypass shocks. Seating is by Mastercraft. Meals are provided by the Old Country Coffee Shop. No tire sponsor. Keep your eyes peeled for this clean truck at the next SCORE or MDR race.