Gone Racin��to Fast Eddie�s Motorsports

• Eddie Larnerd and Doug Brown have a dream. They want to bring back the old style chassis shops that many of us grew up with but have been closing due to the pressure of the mega-catalog giants. Doug was in business down in Vista, California, but received an offer from Eddie that he just couldn�t turn down, a chance to create a chassis shop of their own. They know that such shops have been closing due to the pressure exerted on the industry by the giant catalog companies like Jegs and Summit. The local shops have to carry a lot of inventory to satisfy their clients, and the cost to operate has steadily increased. Doug and Eddie also stated that it isn�t easy doing business in California, which enforces very restrictive regulations. The catalog companies can buy in quantity and sell their products at a much lower price, putting pressure on small shops. Yet there is something missing when price is the only consideration that the consumer thinks of when buying from the giant out-of-state catalog retailers. Both partners agreed that they liked the face to face conversations between the customer and the storeowner. They appreciated the knowledge and the advice that the chassis shop owner gave to his customers. They relished the convenience of picking up a part off the shelf immediately, and not having to wait a week or more for the part. There was the ability to eyeball the part and hold it in your hand, and not have to rely on unseen catalog merchandise. There were a lot of reasons why shopping at a chassis shop meant a great deal.

The two partners have devised a strategy to win back customers to the old chassis shop concept. Price is the first big hurdle. Both of them have been car builders and car fans, and have years of experience. Eddie runs a very successful race car fab shop in the back and this was the start of their plan. Using all of their resources they have created Fast Eddie�s Motorsports LLC. They have a large inventory that covers just about every part that you would ever need. Next, they reduced their prices to the bare bones so that they could compete with the catalog giants, who have the advantage of huge volume and no sales taxes to pay. They have an infectious attitude that is outgoing, friendly and helpful. The partners will spend whatever time it takes to answer questions and find the right part for their customers. They will provide the part the customer needs, and if they have to order it, will follow through until delivery. Eddie and Doug developed a report with many of the manufacturers that sell products to them. They are incredibly patient and they love the car scene and the people in it, and they stand behind their products. They work long hours and they support the hot rodders and racers in their community.

The shop is neat, clean and well organized. A variety of parts are displayed and unlike the old chassis shops, there are no piles to dig through to find what you need. The largest part of their sales is rear ends. They can have a 3^rd member done in 2 days, and finish a complete rear end in 1 week. Eddie said that there is nothing they won�t do with rear ends, and will custom fabricate any off the wall problems that are brought to them, from hot rodders to car racers. The second largest part of their sales is chassis components. They are the 6^th largest dealer for Art Morrison and look forward to a long relationship with AME. Another large and growing segment of their business is the Flaming River brand of steering components. The shop also resells GM Performance parts and motors. They sell Nitrous Oxide fuel systems, intake manifolds, fabrication tools, and shop equipment. More than just parts are sold at the shop. Doug and Eddie are selling commitment to the racing community as well. They support such shows as the Goodguys, Labor Day Cruise, Cruisin� for a Cure, L.A. Roadsters Show, Super Chevy, PSA, auto racing, local cruises and events in the greater Los Angeles and Orange County area. �This is where the center of hot rodding is,� they told us.

Eddie raced motorcycles and motocross and raced in the desert. He helped crew for a lot of dragracing teams and did his share of street racing. Eddie worked for others, including Steve Davis, but wanted to do things his way and took the gamble and opened Fast Eddie�s Race Car Fabrication ten years ago. Doug was into street racing and joined the Marines. After serving 20 years he retired and opened up CSD Enterprises in Northern San Diego County. He met Eddie and together they decided to combine their businesses and operate out of Orange, California. �People will drive from as far away as the San Diego and Bakersfield area to buy parts in this area, but Orange County residents are wary of doing business outside of the county.� They have become used to doing work in the county, said Doug, because �Orange County is the heart of hot rodding in California.� These two men appear to have done their homework well, and we can look forward to having a very special chassis shop in our area for a long time.

Gone Racin� is at www.oilstick.com