Recently it was suggested to me to post a little bit more about myself and about how I got into Motorsports. Basically who are you to be host a Podcast about the men and women that work in motorsports... so at the risk of seeming self-promoting the following article is the beginning of explanation for those who do know me and for those who don't. Here goes:
My Journey from Auto Parts to Motorsports: How It All Started
In 1982, I began my career in the auto parts industry, working as a delivery driver. Before long, my boss moved me inside the store to work as the stock boy. Maybe it was due to my driving record—or perhaps it was because I appeared relatively literate and dependable compared to others. Either way, that decision changed my path entirely.
Not all delivery drivers were unreliable, but one coworker – the inside stock boy - stands out in my memory. This "genius," as I like to call him, decided to remove the engine from his Pinto during company time. Not only that, he set it in a shopping cart and attempted to wheel it downhill to the shop for further tinkering. Predictably, the shopping cart hit gravel in the half-paved parking lot, flipped over, and brought the engine—and his aspirations—crashing down. That incident might’ve ended his career, but it marked the true start of mine, as I soon found myself working inside the store full-time.
Learning the Ropes
Shortly after moving indoors, I was promoted to the Counter, where I worked alongside seasoned veterans of the auto parts trade. This was a time before computers dominated the scene. Instead, we relied on shelves stacked with printed catalogs containing part numbers, illustrations, and detailed specifications. These were the golden days of auto parts, as I had the privilege of learning from individuals with decades of experience, dating back to the 1950s. Their patience and willingness to teach gave me an education that no book or computer system could match.
From there, my career took me to various Parts Stores and Distributors. Each move brought new experiences, deeper knowledge, and connections with fascinating people.
A New Direction
By 1998, my life had become a balancing act. As a single father commuting long distances while trying to attend school, I had my hands full. Then, an opportunity arose thanks to an old friend, David Vola. He was leaving his job at Jim Russell Racing School at Sears Point Raceway and wondered if I knew anyone who might want the role.
I was familiar with Sears Point through friends who worked as SCCA flaggers, but I had never heard of Jim Russell Racing School—only its more famous counterparts, like Bondurant and Skip Barber. Still, the job had one major perk: it would shave 7 miles off my daily commute – each way! For someone juggling so much, cutting my one way commute from 39 miles to 32 miles was a game-changer, especially considering the notorious Bay Area traffic.
I told David I was interested, and he kindly vouched for me. "I'll just tell them to hire you," he said. Soon after, I got a call from Duane Harsh, the crew chief at Jim Russell.
Making the Leap
On my way home from my job in Novato, I stopped by Sears Point for an interview with Duane and later with the company president, Ron Lanthorn. We discussed the role, my background, and my resume. Duane had floated a salary figure that was reasonable, but I decided to test the waters by asking for an extra $500. It wasn’t about the money—it was about seeing how willing they were to invest in someone without direct motorsports experience.
The negotiation was swift. Duane called me the next day to confirm the offer, complete with benefits, which was a significant factor for me at the time. I gave my two weeks' notice the following day, and by 28th of January 1998, I had started my new role.
The shorter commute was a relief, but little did I know what was instore for me.