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2014 started well for Jim Tway, with two wins, a pole and class lap record in the SCCA Major Conference opener at Auto Club Speedway.

"This season started out well, with two wins, a pole and class lap record in the SCCA Major Conference opener at Auto Club Speedway," said Jim Tway. "The highlight of the event was racing hard against my competitor and friend Bill Brinkop (top-dog from Northern California). It was a good preview of what we hope to see later this year at the SCCA National Championship Runoffs at Laguna Seca."

After laying the radiator down for better cooling Tway discovered Spectre's universal line of air intake components was a perfect fit.

The SCCA's first West Coast Major was held at Auto Club Speedway's roval course where Tway Motorsports entered the Spectre backed P.A. Construction Corvette into Touring 1, a class that hadn't run since 2012. It was a statement making race for Tway as he dominated the event, pulling out to a 10 second lead by lap-3. Tway won outright by over 35 seconds, earning the victory lap and champagne.

The second round of the 2014 SCCA Majors was contested at Inde Motorsports Ranch in Willcox, Arizona, and Tway was once again on fire, both figuratively and literally. With two laps to go, and holding another commanding lead, Tway's motor gave up the ghost in dramatic fashion.

"I got hot quickly. Fire was shooting up through the hood and into the cockpit, as well as 50-feet out the back of the car. I was doing close to 100 mph. Spectators from the tower said they felt the heat. My fire system and safety gear worked perfectly. I didn't have one singed hair."

With only two laps remaining and holding a commanding lead, a fireball erupted from the rear of Tway's Corvette ending his clear path to another victory.

"We lost either a rod bolt or had a rod failure," Tway explains. "By mid race I had a huge lead, so I started short shifting to save the motor, but I guess the motor was terminal at that point. Before the race, I had the heads and valve-train completely rebuilt by the experts at Superior Automotive in Placentia, California. The motor had almost three years of track use and it was time, a precautionary measure to rebuild the top end. But I didn't rebuild the lower end. I was able to run almost five years out of the previous motor, so figured I was still good for another two. Wrong! When the rod let go, it punctured two fist sized holes on either side of the block, instantly dumping seven quarts of oil on the headers and igniting the fire."

Tway received his Novice license in 2011 with Cal Club's Super School at Buttonwillow Raceway in Kern County, California. He had been running Time Attacks and Time Trials for a few years at that point, so he already felt comfortable on a track at speed. The school however put him through actual race scenarios with starts, overtaking, two wide and even three wide through corners, to prepare him for real racing. "Needless to say I was hooked and couldn't wait to start racing," he adds. "I went on to win my first race the very next day, and many after."

"I converted my showroom Touring Corvette to a Super Touring class car last year. The more open rule set allowed me to finally ditch the stock airbox. At the same time, I laid the radiator down for better cooling. Consequently, all the ready to bolt-in air intake products on market wouldn't fit. With Spectre's universal line of air intake components, I was able to piece together a custom solution that bolted right in. Spectre's engineering department even did some air intake calculations to ensure I had good enough airflow to keep my 450(rear-wheel) horsepower V-8 happy."

Tway Motorsports' next race is tentatively the SCCA Major Conference race at Buttonwillow Raceway on April 25th. The uncertainty exists because the car is still being rebuilt after the fire. "The fire related damage was minimal, only losing a few wires and scorching the rear bumper markers and vinyl tow hook, but the short block and front bumper were complete losses," Says Tway.

"Superior Automotive is rebuilding the heads. Luckily only a few valves were bent along with some slight dome damage, all easily repaired. The front end was wiped out when we hit the drainage ditch pulling off. My L5 Motorsports wide body fenders survived, but my Wasp Composites splitter did not. Bryan at Wasp already fabricated us a new one and it will be installed when our new bumper is back from paint. Fingers are crossed we'll make the event, as this is the last local qualifier for the SCCA Championship Runoffs."

Browse all Spectre automotive products by category at SpectrePerformance.com.  While you are there use the Products by Vehicle Search to find Spectre performance products specifically made for your vehicle.  To find a Spectre dealer near you use the Spectre Dealer Locator.

Brian Hobaugh's 1965 Chevy Corvette

"It started with my dad," recalled San Ramon, California native, Brian Hobaugh. "He started auto-crossing when I was six-years old. I watched him auto-cross a couple different Camaro's. In 1983 he purchased the Corvette that we race right now."

1965 Chevy Corvette driven by Brian Hobaugh at the Ultimate Street Car Challenge

The Corvette was a perfect fit for the Hobaugh family, as the original owner purchased the car with intentions of auto-crossing. Hobaugh's father was confident this would be the best car for the class in which he ran.

Although one would suspect Brian was excited about the Corvette, little did he know at such a young age, he would eventually make a few modifications here and there and display it at a SEMA show.

When asked why he chose the 1965 Corvette as a project car, he said, "We've had the car for 30-years, and it's part of the family. In the last two years, it's gone through a transformation. Not a major one; but a slight transformation from what it has been."

"The car has been beautiful since 1965," explained Hobaugh. "It's never needed a restoration. We're the fourth owners and all of the owners have kept it pristine. It's been well taken care of since day one."

That being said, very few changes were necessary to prepare the ride for showing purposes. According to Brian, a new paint job was the most radical of modifications. Going with a red body, they opted to coat the wheels and exterior chrome components black.

This 1965 Chevy Corvette was displayed at the 2013 SEMA show

"It's not a major modification mechanically, but visually, it's a major change," explained Hobaugh. "However, the color of the car has had an impact on everyone's attitude.When it was a red Corvette with a chrome bumper, people liked it. But something as simple as blacking out everything has made the younger guys really look at the car where they maybe didn't so much before. The exact same car with a color change has gone from, hey that's a nice Corvette to a car people will turn around and stare at for long periods of time. People didn't do that to this extent two years ago."

Although the most noticeable change took place on the outside, Hobaugh did make a few mechanical modifications as well. Having been originally purchased with auto-cross racing in mind, the car has always been maintained to perform.

The car was already equipped with a 364 cubic inch smallblock, juiced up with a high-performance cam. It came off of the showroom floor with a mechanical fuel injection system. To ensure optimal performance, they went with a computer controlled modification, equipping the Corvette with an Accel EFI engine Management System. A TPI intake and runners were also added during the previous modification.

However, a few mechanical changes have been recently added. Hobaugh upgraded with GLI shocks. Brodix aluminum heads provided the builder with extra horsepower.

Having previously installed a cold air intake system to the ride, Hobaugh was pleased with her performance. However, he wasn't satisfied with the makeshift tubing system connecting the engine to the cold air intake.

Referring to the recent improvement, Hobaugh said, "We used Spectre tubing to get from the radiator support to the throttle body," he recalled. "This was my first experience with Spectre parts."

After experiencing the benefits of a variety of custom tubing options, Brian Hobaugh stated, "Spectre has great products. The tubing lends to the opportunity to build a custom intake, regardless of design."

"It's really difficult to make a custom inlet," he ensured. "And with all of the different sizes, angles and bends, Spectre made the modification real easy. It aesthetically looks better. And even though I have no Dyno numbers to prove it, I'm sure it performs better."

Throughout the years, countless hours have been devoted to keeping Brian Hobaugh's 1965 Corvette in tip-top condition. But the fruits of their labors were recognized when he displayed the car at the recent SEMA 2013 show, at Las Vegas, Nevada.

"I wouldn't consider the changes we recently made to the car as a classic build, like you purchase a stock car and modify it. It's literally been a transformation from stock to where it is now that has taken nearly 50 years."

One would suspect that Brian Hobaugh gleamed with pride when his 1965 Corvette turned heads at SEMA 2013, and rightfully so. However, the car is still dazzling car enthusiasts, as it was previously featured in Chevy High Performance, and is featured in this month's issue of Popular Hot Rodding magazine. The Corvette was also a finalist in the Good Guys Street Machine of the Year.

Although SEMA 2013 is behind him, Brian Hobaugh has no intentions of putting his 1975 Corvette on the back burner. When asked if he had any projects planned for the near future, the muscle car enthusiast concluded, "The Corvette will be back, it will be in the Optima booth at SEMA 2014."

Browse all Spectre automotive products by category at SpectrePerformance.com.  While you are there use the Products by Vehicle Search to find Spectre performance products specifically made for your vehicle.  To find a Spectre dealer near you use the Spectre Dealer Locator.

Randy Johnson's 1972 Chevy Camaro attracted visitors at SEMA 2013

One would suspect that Randy Johnson has many passions, and after learning a little about the Kewaskum, Wisconsin native, it would be safe to say his family and custom cars are two very important elements of his life.

Johnson designed a dual Spectre air filter intake system using several Spectre components for his 1972 Camaro at SEMA

Johnson realized his inclination to gravitate toward building cars early on in life. Assisting friends with builds was enjoyable to him, and with every moment he spent around vehicles came more knowledge- a knowledge that would eventually prove essential in his occupation. "I've always loved the automobile," recalled Johnson. "I find it a great way to express myself through the build of a custom car."

As an adult, Randy Johnson's enthusiasm for building custom cars remained steadfast. In fact, in 2007, he and his wife, Tobie, embarked upon a journey. Their new business would be dedicated to customizing vehicles. When the paperwork was done, D&Z Customs was born.

Of course, the builder is heavily into providing his clients with a one-of-a-kind product. However, he has partaken in several personal endeavors as well. Throughout the years, he has built eight project cars, the latest, a 1972 Camaro - a project that would wow the crowd at SEMA 2013.

SEMA featured 1972 Camaro is equipped with custom seats, steering wheel, Tiger Cage, Autometer guage, shifter, shifter boot, floor pedals, rear view mirror, fire extinguisher and more

When in the market for their next vehicle, some custom car enthusiasts search for a rig void of blemishes. But as a builder, Randy Johnson's mind set is a great deal different. While in pursuit of a car fitting the needs of his most previous project, the wheels likely began to turn upon locating a 1972 Camaro that was a far cry from eye candy. The body was painted with grey primer and the car was literally in pieces. A project that had proven overwhelming for the previous owner was viewed as an opportunity for Johnson.

Shortly thereafter, the builder put his nose to the grindstone. Dropping a Wagner Automotive-built 441 cubic inch LS7 in the engine compartment, he clearly had ample horsepower at his disposal. The engine was designed and built to perform. It sported a Comp cam, RHS LS7 R heads, a FAST 102 intake, a Callies crankshaft and rods and Wiseco pistons.

Regardless of an engine's components, it's life expectancy is short if proper lubrication isn't ensured. That in mind, the builder opted to install a Daily Engineering 3-satge dry sump system. This modification ensured a steady flow of oil in all conditions, which in turn, lent to a more consistent oil pressure and optimal horsepower.

Throughout the years, Johnson had depended upon Spectre products, and this build would prove no different. He designed a dual Spectre air filter intake system using several components.

"Spectre products have always been a natural choice for me in my builds," explained Johnson. "With all of the great aluminum tube pieces, it makes it easy to build a custom intake for whatever your car is.

"Great working and many filter options," he continued. "I'm very happy with the Spectre product line. I was very satisfied with the quality, and plan to continue using Spectre products in future builds."

With the drive line behind him, Randy Johnson cast his thoughts to a dependable suspension, capable of performing in a racing environment, yet lending to good handleability on the highway.

He chose a Heidts Pro-G suspension on the front and a Heidts Pro-G G.I.R.S. in the back. Installing Ridetech triple adjustable coil-overs all the way around the Camaro, he had the comfort of knowing the car could handle a plethora of conditions.

Of course, safety is always an issue, and the braking system plays a huge role in the well-being of the car, it's driver and those around them. Johnson chose to bolt on Wildwood 6-piston 14" brakes in the front. The rear brakes were also manufactured by Wildwood - the 10.5 4-piston models.

Aesthetics were also of great importance. In fact, when asked some of the more challenging aspects of the project, Johnson said, " Building the custom hood, rear spoiler and front spoiler."

Following the exterior modifications it was time to dress the Camaro up with a paint job And Randy Johnson had no intentions of doing anything other than providing onlookers with a product that was both exhilarating and pleasant to the eye. In fact, he suggested the paint scheme he chose was well accepted at SEMA 2013.

Making a few modifications to the lighting system, and bolting and adding impressive wheels and tires to the mix, he centered his attention to the car's interior. Sparco seats and steering wheel added to the overall comfort and look, while a Ridetech/DZ Customs full-custom Tiger Cage lent to an extra element of safety. With the installation of an Autometer guage display, shifter and shifter boot , Wildwood pedals, a rear view mirror and a fire extinguisher, the project was all but done.

Randy Johnson's build was not only a beautiful piece of work, but was built with performance in mind, as it finished 35th in the Ultimate Street Car Challenge."

Although countless hours were dedicated to this particular project, one can rest assured that Johnson considers his labors and well worth the effort. In fact, the builder likely gleamed with pride when his 1972 Camaro earned the Good Guys Gold award at the most recent SEMA convention. The car has also been featured on You Tube interviews with Power Media TV and high performance University and most of us can only imagine what it's like to see our ride featured in Popular Hot Rodding magazine. Johnson's car was in a feature photo shoot for Camaro Performers and was included in Top 10 Chevrolets by Block Forum.

While tinkering with automobiles as a youngster, Randy Johnson likely had aspirations of embarking upon his own projects as an adult. But little did he know that he would eventually set standards in the world of building custom cars.

Browse all Spectre automotive products by category at SpectrePerformance.com.  While you are there use the Products by Vehicle Search to find Spectre performance products specifically made for your vehicle.  To find a Spectre dealer near you use the Spectre Dealer Locator.