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Drag Race

Remembering Angelo Giampetroni: The Bridge Between Detroit Speed Shops and Ford Motorsport

The automotive and motorsports world has lost one of its most influential figures with the passing of Angelo “Junior” Giampetroni. A pioneer, promoter, and passionate builder, Angelo helped shape the hot rodding and drag racing scenes from the postwar boom through the modern era. His impact can be felt not just in Detroit, but across the globe—from gritty speed shops to high-level factory performance programs. Angelo wasn’t just part of the culture—he connected it all together.

628HP LS7X BUILD

Some of the greatest feelings in life come with a rise in rpm, a dropped clutch and tests of traction stretching the boundaries of our physiology. These are the emotions many of us cherish, and while many factors can evoke such emotions, the single most influential force behind these kinetic kicks is torque (which is then equated into horsepower).

TURNED-ON, TUNED-IN ECONOLINE

In an unmarked garage in north central Oklahoma (parked next to an original ’70 Boss 429) sat the Econoline. After moving the dead varmint skeletons and wiping off many years of dust, Kirk’s rolling time capsule was ready to see daylight again. Since the 406 Ford FE big block was no longer “politically correct,” a modern powerplant was decided upon.

HPX 2025 Award Winners

The inaugural High Performance Expo (HPX) brought together a powerhouse lineup of vendors, builders, and performance innovators. Amid fierce competition from dozens of standout products, two companies took home the top PerformancePlus HPX honors—showcasing the cutting edge of high-performance innovation.

HPX Emerges as a Must-Watch Tradeshow for the Performance Industry

There’s a new name making waves in the high-performance and motorsports world: HPX. The High Performance Expo, presented by the North Carolina Motorsports Association (NCMA), brings fresh energy and forward-thinking focus to the industry. Held at the Charlotte Convention Center, HPX delivers a dynamic experience for automotive professionals, racers, fabricators, and performance enthusiasts alike. Built as a bridge between business and passion, HPX sets out to connect the key players in performance engineering, aftermarket innovation, and motorsports culture—and it’s already making a strong impression.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: Gearstar 4L65E Transmissions

When building a high-performance vehicle or performing an LS engine swap, your transmission is just as critical as the engine. The 4L65E transmission from Gearstar offers the perfect balance of strength, reliability, and adaptability—custom-built to handle up to 650 horsepower and tailored to your exact specifications.

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