I first had to take a road trip to think about these changes and what to do about them. The rest is up to you too!
• Original performance companies fueled by original enthusiasts are being bought by investment companies and being led by non-enthusiasts.
Work with these company's principals and show them how the business was built in order to survive for the future - regardless if they have experience in our industry. Take them out or invite to attend events and learn from the very people who buy their products.
• Government overreach curtails many performance advancements for power and efficiency
Reach out to local representatives and send them your thoughts about the performance industry. Send them photos of your vehicles and projects, let them know how much you enjoy your hobby/work.
• Magazines with old editors who with technical backed editorial were replaced or retired by sensational non-techinical internet follower counts
Seeing trucks blow up or promods catch on fire are fun to watch, it's the child still in us. However, to learn a lot of companies are now doing online training sessions and videos. Youtube now has countless ways to repair or watch how to repair problems for our vehicles. Some are good and some are not but it is better than nothing. If you feel inclined to learn about our vehicles and performance take some time to wath the company sessions. Many manufacturers now have these on their web sites.
• US made parts for performance are at ALL time lows
Demand US products when you go to the auto stores and they will start carrying them or go online to find the US products. Some companies are now bringing their manufacturing back to the US because of the tariffs. It's so much easier to get a refund or exchange if it is made in the US.
• Local dragstrips start disappearing because of urban sprawl and land values
Locate your local tracks and go visit them plus attend events. It is getting harder every year with increased expenses such as taxes, insurance and hired help. Many tracks are looking for good help with experience in the industry. I know many cities are experiencing problems with street racing and burnouts with young people - give them an local outlet to do these activities!
• Corporations/investment companies now own F1 and NASCAR race teams
Highend racing with high returns cost way too much for the common man, but you can still participate in the local track activities whether it's a car show or a race. Many do not know but most tracks have a street bracket class you can race in where it's ab out how to time your run down the track not how fast. It's quite easy I have shown countless young people how to race this class.
• Urban youth not learning to drive early or buy vehicles
If you have a relative who needs to learn how to drive offer to help teach them. Invite them and their friends to go to car/truck shows with you. It is unbelievable how fast they will pick up the interest and encourage them to ask questions about the vehicles. As you know most of those guys/gals will talk about their vehicles! I even ask local HS students to help us work the shows along with paying them and buying them pizza afterwards.
• Shop or automotive not being taught in schools
Contact your local schools and see if they offer shop or automotive classes. Offer to bring one of your vehicles to the school for the students to view. Show them the basics of how it works then ask for questions. Show them how easy it is to work on the vehicle. Many will be interested!
I will go out of the way at our shows to help young people work on their vehicles or where to find parts for them to work on them. If there is a local trade school I will invite the students to the show and many times hire them to work the show with us. Most are thrilled to be there and be part of a show.
Pass it on and don't think it ends when you get to the top!
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