When you spend your days helping customers choose performance powder coatings for their projects, it's only natural to want your own ride to look as sharp as it performs. That’s exactly the case for one of our team members at Polychem Powder Coatings, Brittany Straley, who spends her weekdays working with powder and weekends tearing down the track in a 1992 Ford Mustang Hatchback that’s anything but ordinary.

Picked up in 2021 and built into a full-on race machine, this 33-year-old Mustang has undergone upgrades and engine swaps nearly every season. While much of the original frame and body shell are still intact, just about everything else has been customized to handle the demands of competitive 1/8-mile drag racing, both in prep and no-prep formats.

But beyond raw speed and torque, style matters too. That’s where Polychem powder coatings come in. She didn’t have to look far for the right coating. The same powder she works with every day became part of her own build.

“I love the color,” she says, pointing to the beautiful finish on the various parts. The coating was applied by Fox Valley Sandblasting & Powder Coating, an in-house powder coating company known for top quality prep and finishes, perfect for a race-ready build.

(Powder color used: PLSF98059PB Purple Rain Translucent)

From the shop to the track, she knew exactly how to protect the interior and make it stand out. Whether matching a personal brand, highlighting custom details, or simply adding visual impact, Polychem powders helps make a statement. With a wide range of colors, finishes, and special effects to choose from, it’s easy to find the right fit — one that turns heads and brings personality to every project.

For those who expect more from their powder—more consistency, more color, more personality—Polychem coatings are part of the process.

What Drives Her

“Racing’s been a part of my life since I could walk. My dad raced. My brothers race. I started in JR Dragsters at 10 years old and finally got into the Mustang in 2021.”

Since getting into racing, this Illinois-based driver has taken her Mustang to tracks across the country. The farthest she’s traveled? All the way to California — a true test of commitment and passion for the sport. Along the way, she’s left her mark, including a notable win in a small tire class during her very first season. For her, it’s all about pushing boundaries, whether it’s on familiar turf or far from home.

Her fastest run so far? A thrilling 4.48 seconds at 168 MPH in the 1/8-mile. It’s these kinds of high-speed accomplishments that keep her chasing the next race.

A Track Record That Speaks for Itself

This isn’t just a weekend hobby. Since getting behind the wheel, she’s made a strong impression wherever she goes. One standout moment? Being chosen for Discovery Channel’s Locals Only shoot in Michigan, a coveted opportunity that features just eight racers per track, selected from hundreds.

Where Passion Meets Powder

Racing’s been part of her life since she could walk, following in the footsteps of her dad and brothers. Today, she brings that same drive to her role, as a technical saleswoman at Polychem, where her firsthand experience gives her a unique perspective. Whether she’s guiding a shop to the perfect powder or customizing her own ride, it’s always about choosing color with impact.

If you’re a mechanic, job shop owner, or weekend racer looking to make your build stand out, start with powder that brings color and character to every project.

Polychem Coatings: Color That Commands Attention.