A brief summary and flashback about the last 18 months. And a somehow roadmap what we are going to do next!
This article will show you what Speed Industries is about, where it is coming from and where it is about to go.
I founded the company in 2006 after setting up lots of overseas contacts for parts. It just started as a side business but something I was very passionate about. I encountered heavy competition through ebay and cheap Chinese parts. I also got offered distribution deals on several Chinese brands but always turned it down due to the philosophy behind Speed Industries. All parts are top notch and proven in the field. I always had and still have a lot of respect for the original creators of parts. Event though their parts might be more expensive, they do all the research and designing. Then the cheap brands come, buy one and just copy it with cheap materials. In the long run this will end in no one being able to do research on new parts and then what?
Back to the story; the parts business was working ok and it stayed like that until 2008. Then I figured I wanted to target my potential customers with some special events. So I started to rent race tracks and organize trackdays. First one was Anneau du Rhin in France, which by now is somewhat our home track and we do lots of events there. Shortly after I went after the big dogs and rented the famous Nordschleife. By this we got ourselves on the map of a lot of car enthusiasts.
Also in 2008 I did my first visit to Japan so I could meet my suppliers in person. This opened up new possibilities and gave me direct access to the Japanese car auction system. So a new branch came to the company: Car import.
In the last two years I have been pushing all three branches as much as possible and the company kept growing.
Last year I also added something new: The Speed Industries Race team.
It is basically built of friends I got to know over the years and brings them all together under one brand. They all are top notch guys who drive under the Speed Industries brand.
This also brings the benefit of being able to test parts on various platforms and therefore generate much more know how in a shorter time for the company.
This year a dream came true for me and some of my drivers: we visited Japan and went driving there. We drove in Ebisu, visited Fuji and experienced the Wangan highway first hand. This was probably one of the best two weeks in my life. Being in Japan with good people and driving the hell out of a car on something like holy ground.
Back home it was all about business and we started this years season with the team.
Due to some real life problems, technical mishaps and being short on money some of the drivers were not able to drive at their full potential. Nevertheless I am proud of all my drivers who gave it all at each event they could attend.
Right now we are looking for sponsors for the 2011 race season. Sponsors would enable us to be much more competitive and perform at a higher level. We will see what happens.
Speed Industries as a company has some special treats for you in store for 2011. We will continue to grow on the trackday side with providing monthly events. The quality will stay top notch in all branches and we will keep trying to provide you with that little extra.
Stay tuned for more articles about the team, parts, cars and events.