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History
As a kid, it was a real treat to go watch my cousins race stock
cars on a small dirt track in upstate New York. My cousin Junior (no
relation to Dale), with an unlimited supply of parts from my uncle's auto
salvage yard, was one of the top drivers. I remember the figure 8
races were always full of crashes and excitement.
When
I was 16, I bought my first car for $1200. It was a 1969 Chevelle SS with
a 396 engine. Hugger orange with black racing stripes. Several
street races and many speeding tickets later, I had the reputation for having
the fastest car in my high school. Man, I wish I still had that car...
Let's skip ahead 30 or so years, when, as a firefighter
in northern California, I learned the best way to watch races was to volunteer
at the local race track. As a Pit-Firefighter at Infineon Raceway, I got
to see the races from inside the pit stalls. Among others, I was fortunate
enough to work in the pits of such great drivers as Dale Jr. and Tony
Stewart. My fellow firefighters are still reminded almost weekly of the
weekend I spent in Danica Patrick's pit.
So here I am at the track one weekend watching thousands
of fans walking around with their favorite ball caps and t-shirts on. In
the pits, all the team members were also dressed in team colors. As one
team started working on their car, they pulled a rear wing from a race car and
set it on the ground. That's when it hit me, a rear wing belonged on the
back of the caps that race fans wear.
Many concepts and prototypes later, and working with a great plastics engineer,
we finally came up with a wing that looked good, was easy to install, and was
lightweight and comfortable to wear. Thanks Jeff.
Everyone said make them in China and save money. I had a few problems with
that, first of all, I am not a fan of outsourcing, and secondly, I don't speak
plastics or Chinese. So, I am proud to say Spoilercaps wings are made
right here in northern California. That may cost you a buck or so more,
but hey, we're investing in America's future and besides, it's my idea and I
have the Patent. Thanks for
reading, I hope you buy a wing and enjoy it on your favorite cap. See you
at the races... Dennis
"D-Dog" Sarantapoulas
Owner/Creator |
