HRIA Education Days

Mike Ruth, Heidts Hot Rods

Mike Ruth's journey begins in Chicago with his fascination of anything that was gasoline powered. His first challenge at 12 years old was how to make his mini bike go faster. After obtaining a drivers license, his projects became bigger and more complex including a 65 Corvette 365HP 4 speed and others. In 1979 Mike celebrated the new year by packing up his toolbox and moving to Southern California where he opened up a performance and speed shop. in a few short years Mike's shop became the place to get your hot rod, race car or performance street car built. In 1995 he purchased Alston Race Car Engineering and relocated it to his native Chicagoland and continued to build top quality cars. After many years Mike sold the business to Heidt's Hot Rods and went to work for them as their chief applications engineer. When not at work you will most likely find Mike at a racetrack blasting down the quarter mile in his Bob Glidden Nostalgia Pro Stock Fairmont.

Rick Love, Vintage Air

"I am currently the President of Vintage Air, Inc. I have been involved in the hot rod industry since the late 1970's when I built my first hot rod (a 1940 Chevy Coupe) during my senior year of high school. I built several hot rods in the early eighties, and began a small business wiring and installing a/c systems in street rods, which led me to become a Dealer for Vintage Air products. Through this association, I began to work with them on product development, which led to spending time on the road at shows and eventually a full-time position. I have been employed full-time at Vintage Air since 1998 after working with them for several years on special projects.""

"I'm very fortunate in that like so many of us in this industry, my passion and hobby has evolved into a career but I remain a dedicated enthusiast at heart. I still own the 1939 Ford Deluxe Coupe I built in 1984 and after 30 + years and over 180,000 miles I recently completed a complete rebuild on the car.""

"I have also been involved with the Hot Rod Industry Alliance for many years and continue to support their initiatives including Education Day."

Mark Bowler, Bowler Performance Transmissions

Mark Bowler, Owner of Bowler Performance Transmissions. My father started the company in 1963, I have been involved in the company for 36 years. My passion is in the Hot Rod, Custom Car and Truck industry. We are constantly refining and evolving modern transmissions to be best suit the aftermarket industry and matching what is best for the customers purpose. From Weekend Cruisers, Long Distance Touring builds, Autocross or Road Course we have the guidance needed to ensure you have the right transmission for your application.

John McLeod, Classic Instruments

Danny Agosta, Steele Rubber Products

Danny Agosta is the Senior Sales & Marketing Manager for Steele Rubber Products and part of the 3rd generation of family that's operating the business. In addition to the sales and marketing role, Danny leads Steele's R&D department, ushers in new products, and installs the parts for test fitting and instructional videos.

Dennis Overholser, Painless Performance

Over 50 years of automotive electrical experience. Training in the US Air Force and DeVry. Founder of Painless Wiring

David Page, Edelbrock

Started tinkering as a 12 year old kid that wanted to ride a go-kart that would not run. I've been hooked on fixing and wrenching on engines and vehicles ever since. I started in the Technical Support Department at Comp Cams in 2005. I am currently the Product Manager for the Forced Induction division of Edelbrock. I am passionate about tuning engines and developing products that will allow automotive enthusiast to get more enjoyment out of their project vehicles. My current position allows me to fulfill the latter passion.

Isaac Boyce, BluePrint Engines

Isaac attended the University of West Virginia in his home state, where he graduated with his Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Isaac started as a Calibration Engineer for BluePrint Engines in January 2023, where he quickly added value for the Research and Development team. Isaac has a background in a multitude of engineering and automotive subjects, such as Formula SAE, automotive repair & restoration, and custom design, as well as a passion for racing.

Dan Voight, QA1

"40 year industry veteran with my last 10 years at QA1 as Senior Account Manager for QA1's top channel partners. Prior to that I worked for primarily racing-only companies servicing the oval track and road racing segments where customers ranged from distributors, dealers ,car builders, and professional race teams and engine builders in NASCAR and IndyCar.

Current classic car is a 1955 Chevy 210 Delray 2-door post. Former classic cars were 1976 Chevy Laguna S-3, 1968 Chevy Caprice, and a 1968 Chevy Nova."

Bill Alexander, Driven Racing Oil

Bill Alexander is the Director of Lubrication Technology for Driven Racing Oil. Bill earned his Certified Lubrication Specialist credentials through the Society of Tribologists & Lubrication Engineers and brings over 20 years' experience with automotive lubrication application and formulation work, including disciplines of fuel performance additive technologies.

The technologies involved in automotive lubrication and fuel performance constantly evolve and Bill is extremely enthusiastic towards the science of new materials that lead to higher performing products and advancements in automotive lubrication.

Miguel Jimenez, Wilwood Engineering

I have been part of the Wilwood team for 15 years. I have had the opportunity to work on many different projects for Wilwood, from street applications, to the race track.