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FEATURE INTERVIEWS:

The HIGH PERFORMANCE EXPO SHOW SPECIAL 2025 – with Kirk Hansen:

Welcome to the first show special from our coverage of The HPX (High Performance Expo)! Kirk Hansen, host of the FACTORYISH podcast, was able to wander the halls of this brand new show and checked off many great bucket list interviews just for you. Sit back, relax and listen as Kirk introduces you to some of the people and companies that were at this inaugural event.

-Rob Kibbe

Old School Craftsmanship with Nick Filippides

While walking the show floor at HPX, one vehicle immediately stopped us in our tracks — a beautifully restored 1964 Rambler American. Amidst a sea of high-horsepower race cars, this classic stood out with its clean lines and unmistakable vintage charm. As muscle car fans, we couldn’t help but be drawn in.

Upon closer inspection, it became clear this wasn’t just any restoration. Tucked under the hood was a massive 455 cubic inch engine, cleverly paired with a hidden fuel injection system beneath a custom-built intake — a tasteful nod to factory styling with a modern twist. Every detail spoke of someone with a deep love for muscle cars and an eye for craftsmanship.

That someone is Nick Filippides, owner of both this remarkable Rambler and American Racing Headers. In this episode, we sit down with Nick to talk about the car, his build philosophy, and how his “old school” approach extends far beyond the garage.

At American Racing Headers, nothing is mass-produced or off-the-shelf. Their products are hand-fabricated in Charlotte, NC — no CAD designs, no robotic welders. Just skilled craftsmen producing top-tier headers with precision TIG welds and unmatched fitment. Each set is a labor of love, and the pride is visible in every weld.

Nick’s dedication to doing things right — both in car building and business — is a refreshing reminder of what happens when passion meets craftsmanship. Don’t miss this conversation with a true gearhead keeping the spirit of muscle alive.

Inside SRI — Racing’s One-Stop Powerhouse with Ash Garrett

While exploring the HPX show floor, we found ourselves in one of the largest and most impressive displays — SRI Performance. What first caught our attention were the Kirkey Racing Seats, but we quickly realized that Kirkey is just one piece of the much larger SRI family. That’s when we met Ash Garrett, a passionate ambassador for the brand, who gave us the inside scoop on everything SRI has to offer.

Founded in 2016 after acquiring the former Roush-Yates Performance business, SRI Performance has grown into the leading source for both new and used race car parts in the Mooresville area. From ball joints and steering wheels to full-blown race cars, SRI is the largest supplier of used NASCAR parts from today’s top teams. And it doesn’t stop there — they carry components from over 450 top product lines, ensuring racers of every level get access to the parts they need.

But what really sets SRI apart is their deep connection to the sport. As an official NASCAR Competition Partner, SRI operates a trackside hauler at every Cup Series race, giving teams direct access to parts, tools, and equipment right in the garage area when every second counts.

We also dive into SRI Dirt & Drag, which supports dirt, drag, and off-road racing, and has become a vital hub for grassroots racers throughout the Southeast. With a commitment to supporting racers from local tracks to national series, SRI has grown into a true one-stop-shop for everything racing.

From their massive storefront in Mooresville, NC, to their sister companies like Stock Car Steel and Aluminum and SRI Indianapolis, Randy walks us through how SRI became a cornerstone of the racing world — and how they’re continuing to fuel the sport’s future.

Fueled by Passion — Antron Brown’s Journey to the Top

In this episode, we had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Antron Brown, three-time NHRA Top Fuel world champion and one of the most inspiring figures in motorsports today.

Antron takes us back to his humble beginnings, growing up in New Jersey and working at his family’s septic tank business. From there, he shares his climb through the ranks — starting in Pro Stock Motorcycle with Team 23 and eventually making history as the first African American driver to win a major U.S. auto racing series title in Top Fuel.

But this conversation isn’t just about trophies and titles. Antron opens up about the mindset and work ethic that have fueled his success. He discusses how he approaches sponsorship differently — not just by representing brands, but by ensuring a return on investment, building long-term partnerships rooted in trust and performance.

His energy is contagious, his stories are heartfelt, and his wisdom is applicable well beyond the world of racing. Whether you’re chasing your first win or your biggest dream, Antron’s journey is a powerful reminder to believe in yourself, stay grounded, and keep moving forward.

Telling the Untold — A Ride Through VinWiki with Ed Bolian

In this episode, we sit down with Ed Bolian, the charismatic founder of VinWiki and a master storyteller in the automotive world.

You may know Ed from his wildly popular VinWiki YouTube channel, where enthusiasts from all corners of the car community share unbelievable, hilarious, and often jaw-dropping stories. But before that, Ed made headlines as a former Cannonball Run record holder, driving from New York to L.A. in just over 28 hours. That same bold spirit fuels everything he does today.

We dive into how Ed originally set out to build a data-driven platform for car ownership history — but how that vision unexpectedly evolved into one of the most engaging automotive storytelling platforms on the internet. He shares insights on embracing change, being flexible with your goals, and how sometimes the best outcomes come when your plans take a different route.

Ed’s journey is full of passion, creativity, and authenticity — a reminder that when you combine vision with adaptability, things can turn out even better than expected.

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