I suppose you could say I was born into the automotive world.
My father was an avid drag racer and car modifier in the late 1950s, back when he was just a teenager. My grandfather worked in the automotive business, selling gasoline, oils, and other automotive products. At one point, he even operated a radiator shop.
Cars weren't just transportation in our family. They were part of everyday life. And somewhere along the way, I inherited the need to go fast.
It didn't matter whether I was running, riding a skateboard, pedaling a bicycle, or eventually driving my first car. Speed was always part of the attraction. I wanted to know how fast I could go, how things worked, and how I could make them better. That fascination followed me through high school and into adulthood.