Tag Archives: News

MOTORSPORT: JAMIE’S CHALLENGE

By: LUKE HAMER on February 15, 2006
Original Article: COVENTRY EVENING TELEGRAPH

Jamie Derbyshire has agreed to race for Balfe Motorsport team for the GT1 class of the FIA GT Championship.

The Warwickshire GT star will be taking to the wheel of the 650bhp Saleen S7R for the first time next month along with last years partner Shaun Balfe and Neil Cunningham.

He decided to stay with the team as they moved up from GT2 after a winter of considering his options that saw him test a Le Mans Prototype.

The Spirit VW and Hyundai Group-backed racer will not be fazed by the increase in power or speed as he steps up to the top flight as he completed a season in a Lister Storm back in 2004.

He is thrilled to be continuing his steep learning curve in the sport and is relishing the chance to test himself against some of the best drivers and cars in the division.

“I’m looking forward to the GT1 class, its definitely going to be incredibly competitive this year, ” he said. “I don’t think we can challenge some of the cars like the Aston Martins on out right pace, but knowing how well the team can run the car I know we can be challenging for the podium.”

CHICANE OFFERS BIG DISCOUNTS ON SALEEN SUPERCHARGERS

Chicane Sport Tuning of Torrance, CA has kicked off the 2006 season by stepping up its commitment to stocking and installing Saleen Mustang Performance Parts. This translates into Chicane Sport Tuning being the primary source for Saleen Performance Parts such as the highly touted Series VI Integrated TwinScrew supercharger.

This commitment means significant increases to on hand inventory of Saleen Performance Parts, allowing Chicane to further its commitment to customers by offering with “best of breed” mustang performance parts and unparralleled service.

To celebrate this acheivement, Chicane Sport Tuning is now offering the Saleen Series VI Integrated TwinScrew Supercharger as part of it’s “Deep Discount” pricing program. To learn more, please visit http://www.chicanesport.com or call (310) 782-0063. Mention this press release for special “Deep Discount” pricing consideration.

LAMINATED GLASS GAINING GROUND AT 2006 NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

APPROXIMATELY 1.3 MILLION VEHICLES PRODUCED ANNUALLY
WITH LAMINATED GLASS

DETROIT, Jan. 18 /PRNewswire/ — More than 40 production and concept vehicles on display at the 2006 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) tout laminated glass in side and rear windows, as well as roof applications, as reported by the Enhanced Protective Glass Automotive Association (EPGAA). Laminated glass has become a mainstream technology in the automotive industry, with approximately 1.3 million vehicles produced annually with laminated glass.

“It is the goal of the EPGAA to educate the industry and consumers on using laminated glass in applications other than windshields,” said Mike Sanders, EPGAA President and director for DuPont Automotive Safety Systems. “We are pleased to see the continued increase in adoption of laminated glass; it shows that automakers and consumers alike are realizing the extended benefits of this technology.”

Laminated glass is a high-impact resistant glass technology that automakers and car buyers have trusted for use in windshields for more than 60 years. In addition to windshield applications, laminated glass is being developed specifically for use in side and rear window, and roof applications. Laminated glass provides four key benefits, to help protect vehicle occupants:

Safety
In addition to meeting global automotive safety standards, laminated glass could help save up to 1,300 lives annually and reduce occupant ejection — according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Security
With a tough plastic interlayer or film composite, laminated glass provides significant increases to intrusion resistance — enough to deter most would-be thieves.

Sound Reduction
The interlayer in laminated glass helps provide protection from outside wind and road noises, keeping the car interior quieter and more comfortable. This benefit allows automakers to offer consumers a vehicle with additional value without significantly increasing the cost of the vehicle. Acoustic studies note that laminated glass reduces interior noise by three to four decibels, allowing for better conversation and use of entertainment equipment.

Solar Protection
With the help of an available infrared (IR) reflective coating, laminated glass provides several benefits to the interior of vehicles. Testing has shown vehicles equipped with laminated glass parked in the sun with the windows closed may reduce the effects of solar heat by up to 18 degrees F (10 degrees C) compared to standard tempered glass.

Laminated glass also offers several benefits from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays to protect vehicle occupants and interiors from the damaging effects of the sun. UV rays cause interior vehicle fabrics to fade and degrade, leather to age, and plastic and vinyl to crack, which laminated glass can help to prevent. According to the Australian Radiation protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPNSA), the laminated glass interlayer also screens up to 95 percent of damaging UV rays, providing a UV protection factor of 50+ SPF.

About the EPGAA
The Enhanced Protective Glass Automotive Association (EPGAA) is composed of laminate and glass providers to provide information and overall education on the development of laminated glass for added vehicle security, occupant comfort and safety. Currently, DuPont Automotive; Glasstech, Inc.; Guardian Industries Corp.; PPG Industries, Inc.; Saint-Gobain Sekurit; Sekisui America Corporation and Solutia Automotive are members of the EPGAA. For more information on the EPGAA, visit http://www.epgaa.com .

[SOURCE Enhanced Protective Glass Automotive Association]

IF THEY BUILD IT, WILL THEY COME?

By: JOHN GITTELSOHN on January 5, 2006
Original Article: ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, THE (SANTA ANA, CA)

Jan. 5–Henrik Fisker, a designer of BMWs and Aston Martins, has introduced his first car under his own name, the Fisker Tramonto, a $234,000 sport coupe designed at his Orange County studio.

Steve Saleen, the Irvine builder of racecars and customized Mustangs, unveiled his newest venture Wednesday: a high-performance pickup truck.

Both the Fisker and Saleen vehicles are debuting at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show, which opens to the public Friday. Both auto designers embody the emergence of Orange County, long a home to auto design, as a budding center of auto production.

Saleen made more than 5,000 cars in 2005, half at his factory in Irvine and half at his plant in Troy, Mich. Fisker plans to build his first 150 Tramontos at a factory in Europe, before opening a facility somewhere near his Irvine studio.

“Saleen and Fisker are further along than others, but they’re not the only ones,” said George Peterson, president of Auto Pacific, a Tustin consulting and marketing firm.

For years, Orange County has been an international magnet for auto design studios: Volvo, Land Rover, Porsche and Mercedes-Benz among the Europeans; Mazda and Hyundai representing Asia.

It also hosts numerous world-renowned auto customizers and craftsmen, ranging from hot rod king Boyd Coddington of La Habra to the Gaffoglio Family Metalcrafters Inc. of Fountain Valley.

What’s new is the growth of auto production, a trend enabled by advances in design technology and a growing market for specialized cars. Eric Noble, president of The CarLab, an independent auto research studio in Orange, compared the growth of companies like Saleen and Fisker to the recent proliferation of microbreweries to compete with mega-brewers such as Miller and Anheuser-Busch.

“If you’re going to brew a beer for a community, why not do it there?” Noble asked. “If the technology allows you to design, build and manufacture in proximity to the market, why wouldn’t you? If you’re going to build cars for Southern California, why not do it here?”

Fisker Coachbuild, as the company is formally called, derives its name from the early 20th-century European tradition of creating one-of-a-kind bodies with handcrafted appointments on top of factory-built chassis. But the company logo — a blue and orange circle pierced by two bars — was inspired by Southern California’s car culture.

The bars represent the auto designer’s pen and carving tool. The orange represents the sun setting over the blue Pacific “Southern California is the largest luxury car market in the world,” said Fisker, 42, a native of Denmark who settled in Orange County in 2003. “I live in Newport Beach because I think you need to live and breathe it.”

Beyond their shared Orange County origins, the new Saleen truck and Fisker sports car both represent customization of mass produced vehicles. The Fisker Tramonto is built on a Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG chassis while the Saleen S331 Supercharged truck rests on a Ford F-150 Lariat chassis.

Saleen is introducing his model at a time when truck sales have been hit by high fuel prices. But it doesn’t faze him or officials at Ford, which sold more than 900,000 F-series pickups in 2005.

“Having somebody like a Saleen take the F-150 and add his level of performance enhances our product,” said Doug Scott, Ford’s manager of truck group marketing.

“It’s a much bigger pie than the one for high performance sports cars,” said Saleen, a native of Whittier and former auto racer who designed his first car in 1984. “Where the trend is really going from the automotive standpoint is toward niche marketed, segmented vehicles. We’re speaking to individuals.” Saleen’s supercharged truck boosted the engine’s power by almost 50 percent to 450 horsepower, improved the suspension and enlarged the brakes to accommodate the truck’s 23-inch wheels — compared to 18-inches on the standard F-150.

Saleen also left his fingerprints all over his truck’s styling. He swelled the front bumper and grille to help the bigger engine inhale more air. The truck’s sides taper aerodynamically, like a woman’s waist. Tailpipes vent in front of the rear wheels, creating the truck’s rumble, leading to its nickname: Thunder.

The first trucks, 2007 models, are scheduled to be in about 170 dealer showrooms this summer, including Santa Margarita Ford, Sunset Ford and Villa Ford in Orange County.

Saleen has not set a price, but expects to charge at least $5,000 more than the F-150 Lariat’s $31,180 manufacturer’s suggested retail price. The truck still costs — and looks — like a Ford.

In Fisker’s case, it’s hard to see the Mercedes inside the Tramonto. He and his partner, Bernhard Koehler, enlarged the SL55’s wheels, enhanced the suspension, added horsepower and redesigned the interiors. They kept the SL55’s convertible hardtop, which folds into the trunk like an elaborate piece of origami.

But they completely transformed the Mercedes’ body — substituting 60 percent of the original steel and aluminum shell with carbon fiber to lighten the vehicle’s weight. They designed narrow slits for taillights and a grinning mesh-covered front grille inspired by the silhouette of the F-22A “Raptor” fighter plane.

Fisker and Koehler announced their company’s formation in January 2005 and put the first Tramonto on the road seven months later, a tribute, they said, to their design methods, details of which they said are proprietary.

The obsidian-black coupe and a second Fisker model, called the Latigo CS, have clocked almost 7,000 miles on their odometers as they travel to car shows.

“Our idea was to build a real car that works,” Fisker said.

Neither Saleen nor Fisker would disclose their privately-held companies’ financial data. They raised capital from investors and car enthusiasts around the nation. One of them, Dag Wilkinson, a Dana Point real estate developer, said he hopes to recoup his money in three years, although he’s not interested in buying a Fisker.

“My Puritan streak tells me I shouldn’t spend that much on a car,” Wilkinson said.

SALEEN DEBUTS NEW SPORT TRUCK S331 – UNITING FUNCTIONALITY WITH RADICAL PERFORMANCE

Saleen Sport Truck Unveiled at Los Angeles Auto Show 2006

January 4, 2006 – LA Auto Show, Ford Booth, West Hall — Saleen, (www.saleen.com), the premier manufacturer of limited edition, high-performance vehicles, today marked a new paradigm in sport truck performance with its debut of the pre-production Supercharged Saleen Sport Truck S331, at the LA Auto Show.

Steve Saleen, president and CEO of Saleen, said, “We set out to produce the perfect high-performance truck. The Saleen Sport Truck integrates higher horsepower, superior suspension, and aggressive styling with the best in functionality. Our sport trucks are the perfect answers for individuals whose lifestyles take them from the beach to the mountains to the country club, all in a day. They are also the perfect sport trucks for individuals who are passionate about what they drive – they’re for individuals who require sports-car-like handling and performance, yet whose lives require the utility of a pick-up truck. These Saleen Sport Trucks are exceptionally versatile high performance vehicles.”

On Target

“Trucks account for half of all new vehicle sales in America. Our certified dealers and countless consumers have been requesting us to manufacture a high-performance Saleen truck. By introducing both the 3-Valve and the Supercharged Saleen Sport Trucks we believe that we are right on target with the market. The big difference is that the new Saleen Sport Trucks will give consumers the extreme performance, expressive styling, exceptional value, and the exclusivity that comes from the experience of driving and owning a Saleen – all in a fully-functional truck,” Steve Saleen continued.

Both Saleen Sport Truck models will start in the Super Cab style and will feature a 5.4L, 3-valve SOHC V-8 engine, and are scheduled to be available at certified Saleen dealers in July as 2007 models.

Haulin’ Attitude

The Saleen Supercharged Sport Truck packs a punch at 450 bhp @ 5200 RPM, and with 500 lb-ft of torque @ 4000 RPM which is due in part to the unique, patented, high-flow Saleen Series VI integrated twin-screw supercharger. Here, air is compressed through the twin screws and then runs through the dual-stage, water-to-air intercooler, which reduces the intake air temperature. With this cool, dense air, the Saleen Powerflash™ performance calibration system radically increases the power and performance.

In recognizing the trend of consumers wanting more choices, the Saleen Sport Truck will be offered as a normally aspirated, 3-Valve Sport Truck, which offers 325 bhp @ 5000 RPM, and with 400 lb-ft of torque at 4000 RPM.

Sounds Like Thunder

Every thought has gone into taking the Saleen Sport Trucks’ performance to the extreme. Both the 3-Valve and Supercharged trucks are equipped with a unique integrated Saleen exhaust system with twin side pipes, which produce a unique appearance that enhances power, performance, and sound. Because of the increased horsepower and distinguishable Saleen sound, the engineers at Saleen have affectionately named the truck, “Thunder.”

Saleen Racecraft Suspension

Designed to raise handling to new levels, Saleen Sport Trucks are equipped with Saleen Racecraft suspension. The front systems include N2 struts with linear-rate coil-over springs, a tubular anti-roll stabilizing bar and urethane pivot bushings throughout. Because it’s all about performance, calibrations are specifically set to a high-performance level.

The rear Saleen Racecraft suspension consists of a live axle, leaf springs and N2 shocks. The overall Saleen suspension system reduces load transfer which improves handling under braking and hard cornering.

The truck’s overall styling is complete with front and rear Saleen seven spoke, 23” forged wheels, on high-performance BFG 305/40 series tires. For responsive braking the Saleen Sport Truck comes equipped with power assisted 4-wheel ABS brakes. The front brakes have 15.0” slotted and vented disks with Saleen ABS 6-piston calipers, while the rear brakes are 13.7”.

In total, the Saleen Racecraft suspension elevates performance without sacrificing the quality of the truck’s ride, its load, or towing capacity.

A Real Looker

Great aerodynamics and exceptional styling are engineering feats that have been Saleen hallmarks for decades, and the aero and styling of the Saleen Sport Trucks are truly exceptional. The Saleen Sport Trucks’ superior aerodynamics come from specially designed injection molded components made from Thermoplastic Olefins (TPO), built to withstand the demands of the truck. All Saleen front and rear fascias, side skirts are uniquely Saleen – built to be rugged and durable, yet stylish and performance enhancing.

The stylish Saleen front grille is also designed for improved aerodynamics. The Supercharged Saleen Sport Truck integrates a unique hood with exhaust venting grille. The Saleen Sport Truck also has side fender vents, rear spoiler, and attractive tailgate panel.

Interior Design

No longer just for utilitarian uses, the racing-derived, totally upgraded interior of the Saleen Sport Truck has double-stitched leather sport seating throughout. The exclusive interior also incorporates a jewel-like instrument panel, featuring a twin-gauge pod display, integrated silver panels and bezels, double-stitched leather console armrest, and Saleen race-style pedals.

Raising the bar, Saleen will begin offering a number of Saleen Sport Truck options. These options will further enable owners to uniquely personalize their Saleen Sport Trucks. Some of the Saleen options that will be available include: HID headlamps, bedliners, tonneaus, tow packages, motorcycle, bike and gun racks, sound and entertainment systems, GPS, ski racks, and heavy-duty toolbox, and as you’d expect, there will be nothing standard about the Saleen options.

Timeline

The 2007 Saleen Sport Truck is scheduled to be in full-scale production in both Irvine, California and Troy, Michigan facilities in July 2006, and will run true to the manufacturer’s pedigree, which has been standard with every Saleen S281 Mustang and S7 supercar.

Each Saleen Sport Truck is fully-certified and carries a 3-year, 36,000 mile warranty through Saleen, and will also possess the Saleen production bumper number, as well as an interior dash plaque.

Pricing

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 3-Valve Saleen Sport Truck with standard equipment is expected to start in the high $30,000’s, and the Supercharged version is expected to start in the high $40,000’s.

Click here to participate in the discussion.

SALEEN ANNOUNCES S7R RACE PROGRAM TO COMPETE AT LE MANS 24-HOUR ENDURANCE RACE

European Race Program Supports Growing International Sales of Saleen S7

Los Angeles Auto Show, Concourse Hall, Saleen Booth #C6, January 4 /PRNewswire/ —

Saleen, Inc., the manufacturer of limited edition, high-performance vehicles, today announced that Saleen, in conjunction with Oreca Groupe, have formed a partnership for an all out two-car effort towards one of the most prestigious races in the world, the 24-Hour of Le Mans.

Oreca will also sell, service and support all European race cars for parts, sales, as well as provide technical services. Oreca will also be the repair center for Europe.

Saleen is delighted to partner with one of the most professional and respected race organizations in the world. This combination of Saleen and Oreca will give the European teams campaigning Saleens a local base for new cars, parts, service, repairs, and racecraft to help bring the cars to the winner’s circle.

“The time is right time for Saleen to have a full European program. Globally, the S7 has grown in market presence and recognition, and with our new race program we will further showcase the racecraft and winning attributes of the S7R,” said Steve Saleen, president and CEO of Saleen. “Since the introduction of the S7 in 2001, all prior teams have had to be serviced from the U.S. Now, with the addition of Oreca to the program we can provide better service to our customers abroad.”

Hugues de Chaunac, president of Oreca commented, “We’re excited about our relationship with Saleen. For over a quarter of a century Oreca has been helping major car manufacturers win. We anticipate that Saleen the S7R will be one of our most ambitious and successful programs.”

Historically, the S7R has dominated racetracks worldwide. In 2001, the S7R performed flawlessly at the prestigious 12 Hours of Sebring race taking home the win. The S7R later set a new track record at the famed 24 Hours of Le Mans. By the end of 2001, the S7R also resulted in an additional 4 championships — 2 in Europe, and 2 in the U.S. To date the S7 has 50 wins, and over 60 pole positions in races around the world.

“We’re looking forward to this is a new chapter in the S7R’s racing heritage,” added Steve Saleen.

The Saleen S7R race program schedule is to be announced.

About Saleen
Since the company’s inception in 1984, Saleen has produced over 10,000 complete and EPA certified vehicles, more than any other specialty manufacturer. In addition, Saleen has equipped more than 600,000 vehicles worldwide, further emphasizing their commitment to excellence.

An eight-time Manufacturers’ Champion in GT sports car racing, Saleen’s corporate facilities include research, design, engineering and manufacturing capabilities, as well as the coating/paint division. Saleen also has manufacturing facilities in Troy, Michigan where the assembly and paint of the Ford GT supercar is accomplished. Additional Saleen manufacturing sites are located in Canada and Saudi Arabia. For more information please visit www.saleen.com.

Contact: PR Dept.
+1-(949)-598-4900
www.saleen.com

Web site: http://www.saleen.com

SOURCE: Saleen, Inc.

THR ANNOUNCES SPECIAL INCENTIVES FOR LAST WEEK OF SALEEN 05 MUSTANG SUPERCHARGER INTRODUCTORY PRICING

THR, the first authorized Private Dealer of the complete Saleen line of Mustang parts and accessories, has announced special discounts on Saleen Mustang Superchargers during this last week of introductory pricing.

news_2005_THR_logo

(PRWEB) December 27, 2005

THR, the first authorized Private Dealer of the complete Saleen line of Mustang parts and accessories, has announced special discounts on Saleen Mustang Superchargers during this last week of introductory pricing.

news_2005_THR_SaleenSupercharger
Saleen Series VI Supercharger

Current retail pricing is $4999, and will go up to $5999 on January 1. THR is offering additional incentives for customers who purchase these Saleen Superchargers during the last week of December. For more details, contact THR direct at 877-50-STANG or visit http://www.texashotrods.com.

As a complete Saleen dealer, THR offers price match guarantees and customer assistance. “We always focus on making the customer happy. We install what we sell, so we have the expertise to guide our customers through the whole process from purchasing the right parts to installation assistance,” says THR President Brian Metzger.

Saleen Mustang, one of the top names in Custom Performance Modifications for Mustangs, has announced that it’s introductory pricing for the 2005 Series IV Supercharger will be over on January 1st, 2006. Saleen created a Supercharger system that produces over 400 hp and 420 lb torque. This system is custom made as a direct bolt on for the new 2005 Mustangs, one of the most popular releases in Ford Mustang history.

Saleen Enthusiasts and Mustang Enthusiasts alike will appreciate the easy bolt in installation, quality, and power that the new Saleen Series IV Mustang Supercharger provides.

Whether it’s for performance, looks, or speed, THR is a one stop shop for Mustangs.

Please contact sales@texashotrods.com with any questions.

# # #

Liz Metzger
TEXAS HOT RODS
915-593-6225

TEXAS HOT RODS MUSTANG PARTS PERFORMANCE 1st PRIVATE DEALER OF SALEEN PARTS

Texas Hot Rods, a leader in Mustang Performance Parts, has been selected by Saleen as their 1st private dealer of the complete Saleen parts line.

news_2005_THR_logo

El Paso, TX (PRWEB) December 26, 2005

THR, a leader in Mustang Performance Parts, has been selected by Saleen as their 1st private dealer of the complete Saleen parts line.

Now you can buy your parts directly through Texas Hot Rods toll free at 877-507-8264 or online at http://www.texashotrods.com.

As the first private Saleen dealer, THR is allowed to offer the best pricing while providing all warranties and service. Because THR focuses on Mustang performance, they have superior technical support and recommendations specific to the Mustang owner.

Please contact sales@texashotrods.com with any questions.

# # #

Liz Metzger
TEXAS HOT RODS
915-593-6225

BALFE REVVED UP FOR NEW CHALLENGE

By: N.A. on December 13, 2005
Original Article: LINCOLNSHIRE ECHO

The Balfe Motorsport Team will graduate to the GT1 class of the FIA GT Championship next season after taking delivery of a 750 horse-power Saleen S7R chassis.

Shaun Balfe will be one of the drivers with the second seat in the car yet to be filled.

“It’s been a tough few months making the decisions to move to GT1,” said Newark Glass-backed Balfe.

“We had an incredible debut season in the FIA GT Championship with the Mosler this year.

“Whatever we chose for next year, we wanted to move forward. To score points is a must for me and it’s also what the team wants too. The move into GT1 will be tough. But it’s what we at Balfe Motorsport have always enjoyed.”

The battle for the title this year has proved the level of competition is fierce. As a driver, Balfe admits he is relishing the challenge of the GT1 class. From a team perspective though, he knows it will be a tough challenge in 2006.

“We know everyone in the team is revved up for next season,” he said. “From a driving point of view, it will add a little bit more pressure and it’s certainly going to be the toughest year of my racing career so far.”

The team has already taken delivery of the car and plan on a small test to allow Balfe to reacquaint himself with a GT1 machine before a complete rebuild over the winter months.

TRADE NAMES: PERFORMANCE AUTOSPORT

By: JULIAN BENBOW on October 31, 2005
Original Article: RICHMOND TIMES-DISPATCH (VA)

Oct. 31–Mark LaMaskin was 30 years old when he decided to leave the family business.

He went from more than five years of stable employment in his parents’ material handling equipment business to being an unemployed newlywed hanging onto the hope of turning his passion into his profession. Not to mention he and his wife had just moved into a new home, so that profession had to be at least marginally profitable.

“There was just a little bit of pressure,” LaMaskin said, reflecting on it all.

The large, one-room warehouse, the spray-painted office like Les Nessman’s on “WKRP in Cincinnati,” the 12-hour days, and six-day weeks are all easier to think about while sitting in a leather office chair checking e-mail from across the globe.

Everything from automobile advice to interview requests come through Performance Autosport in Rockville, because when people want to find out about Saleen Mustangs they know to go to LaMaskin.

“I just found my forte and it’s pretty cool,” LaMaskin said. “I’m kind of known as the Mustang or the Saleen guy and that’s pretty cool. It’s all pretty surreal to me. It’s kind of neat.”

He had been looking for a while after all.

He was never the cool kid, he says, never the jock. He was just the kid who would read the car magazines his dad brought home for him.

He pored over them, amazing considering the dyslexia LaMaskin battled throughout his school days.

The magazines satisfied his need to learn what made machines work. It was one of the few times he’d used reading to help him learn.

LaMaskin said he almost never cracked open a book in college. Instead he went to class every day with open ears and notebooks to earn his bachelor’s degree in political science from Virginia Commonwealth University.

“I wasn’t a straight-A student,” he said. “But I graduated.”

With the degree behind him, LaMaskin had something he could take into job interviews to show he was more than capable. But he said he didn’t need a piece of paper to tell him that.

“I think you are either a business person or you’re not a business person,” said LaMaskin, who has run Performance Autosport since 1998. “You either have the skills and you’re either an entrepreneur or you’re not. I don’t think there’s really any in-between.

“Just because you have a business degree doesn’t mean you’re going to be a good business person. A lot of the most successful people I know don’t have a degree in business. Business is in your blood and dealing with people is in your blood.”

LaMaskin can’t remember a day when he wasn’t working. He had his own car-detailing business in college. And while some of his buddies bolted for Cancun or Daytona for spring break, LaMaskin washed, buffed and shined about a hundred cars during the week.

“I could make $2,000 in that week and that would pay for my entertainment for the rest of the year, and none of the guys understood how I always had money,” LaMaskin said. “Well that’s because I worked my butt off.”

He hustled even in high school, working as a field representative for L&L Limited in North Carolina, running ads in papers, meeting with possible buyers and putting them in touch with the exotic car trader.

“I’ve always had a job,” he said. “I’ve never been the kid that goes to camp for the summer.”

What LaMaskin calls a natural work ethic is what allowed him to do things he never thought he would.

The 16-year-old kid with the “piece of crap” Monte Carlo is the man who has lifted the “scissor” doors of a Lamborghini Countach and tested all 400-plus horses.

More important, the spray-painted office now has walls, and the garage at Performance Autosport can fit some three dozen Saleens. (Saleen Mustangs are named for former race driver Steve Saleen, who in 1983 began Saleen Inc., a company that customizes Ford’s pony car for appearance and performance).

The business isn’t always profitable, LaMaskin said, but it rewards in other ways. “One month it’s great, the next month it’s down, the next month it’s great,” he said. “Our business is a fun business and it’s about being addicted to automobiles.”

The borders of addiction and expertise meet at LaMaskin’s shop on Plaza Drive, where customers come to ask about carburetors verses electronic fuel injection and authors such as Brad Bowling, an authority on Mustangs, come to pick up the history and chronology of the specially souped-up Saleens.

“We get a lot of notoriety,” said LaMaskin. “The business has definitely developed in the last seven years.”

Along with buying and selling cars, LaMaskin hired employees Don Rositch and Kevin Adolf as Performance Autosport moves into performance parts and tuning.

But even with the success, LaMaskin can’t help but think about what square one was like and why those 12-hour days and six-day weeks are still important.

“If you’re not there to watch what you created, it can crumble as fast as it was created,” LaMaskin said.

“Whatever you put in you’ll get back out and if you stop putting in and you don’t have a good foundation for something then it can go down as fast as it was built up.”

Trade Names is a regular feature about established Richmond-area businesses.