: Is there still a direct relationship between new car sales and the aftermarket?

NF: Absolutely! These two are tied together just as air and water are required to sustain human life. That is one reason the drop in car sales is such a tremendous concern for our industry. Think about it: If we sell 30 percent fewer new vehicles now, then we have 30 percent less to work on in the future. It's a big challenge and we need to be concerned about new vehicle sales and the future of our industry.

: Who were (are) your heroes?

NF: It began with my father and mother. They are the best and their passion for racing obviously pointed me to the path I am on today. By the time I was ten, Bill Jenkins and Big Daddy were part of my everyday thought process! I read every issue of car mags, National Dragster, you name it. I knew the Grump knew how to make horsepower and I read that he had his degree in Mechanical Engineering that set me on a mission to get my degree in Mechanical Engineering. I will never forget the World Finals in Amarillo. I had not been to a race track in about four years. It was like heroin to a heroin addict. I needed my fix. I was hanging around Big Daddy’s pit area, old Dodge pick-up, small enclosed trailer, and a new rear-engine Top Fueler. He noticed I had been a steady observer and asked me to join him on the tailgate of his truck to sip on a Coke. He grabbed a photo, signed it. He talked to me for the next fifteen minutes like I was the most important person there. He took the time to make difference to a young boy at the races!

I cannot say that I have just one or two heroes. It would be an injustice. There are so many people in the automotive industry that have had an influence on me. The list is too long and I promise I can name most of them, but most importantly it started with my dad and mom. Hey, I still have the signed photo from Garlits’ in my shop!

: What's your thought about the Internet versus paper?

NF: I believe you need both. But let’s face it, the web has redefined marketing. We are continuously working on our IT and web development. You cannot exist without it.

: Seen Buddy Holly lately?

NF: You cannot come to Lubbock, Texas, without talking about Buddy Holly! He and my dad were classmates. If you want some interesting history on Buddy then you should talk to Bill C. I do not believe in ghosts but Buddy's music is still big in Lubbock.

: How would you like to be remembered?

NF: That is too spiritual, Ro! I hope that people will say I was a man of my word and that I was a positive influence on GM Performance Parts and the performance industry, and that I freely gave as much advice and encouragement as was given to me. That would be enough for me.