Five Star at the UMP Summer Nationals / WoOLMS

What product or display got the most attention at this stop?
As UMP Modifieds were also racing this weekend, we showcased all our modified hood scoops in various configurations, sizes, and colors. The different choices brought several mod drivers over to the booth and I was able to showcase and discuss the various options available to them.

Were racers asking about anything specific—new parts, mounting tips, or compatibility?
As the mod drivers saw the DLM spoiler, they always ask about modified version but there are so many different sizes of spoiler heights based on the various rules and engine packages that has always been a challenge of producing this product.

Did you get any feedback that might shape how we build or market future MD3 products?
We will work to gather data on all the modified spoiler options out there to see what is most prevalent and how we might work into that market.

Did we debut or soft-launch anything new at this stop?
We offered some basic Five Star apparel at this stop for the first time which I think will be a hit moving forward.

Racer Engagement

Any standout conversations with racers or chassis builders?
I had a very good and lengthy conversation with Ronnie Stuckey who is a long time Hall of Fame Crew Chief and owner of Black Diamond Chassis. Recent industry news highlighted their merge with Longhorn Chassis as they will shift focus from producing their own Black Diamond Chassis to Longhorn by Stuckey. We discussed the various changes in his business model, how cars will be delivered and assembled, and we ran through all the current MD3 products that are utilized by Longhorn that may be different or advantageous to his version of the brand.

How did teams respond to seeing the parts in person versus online?
As I go to so many events, racers tend to come up and ask “What’s new” so this weekend we added more Modified parts to highlight which went great and in the coming weeks we will be showcasing things like our Crown Vic and Sport Compact noses.

Event Vibes

What made this stop different from others on the tour?
This is a great stop because it combines both he WoOLMS and the DIRTcar Summer Nationals at a place that typically draws and races well. They track conditions were challenging both nights due to heavy rain prior to the event but there were over 50 late models in attendance, and they put on a great show both nights.

Did you spot any cool cars, setups, or creative uses of Five Star parts?
We had recently produced the Driver Cutout/Standees for the WoOLMS to utilize in their fan zone so it’s always cool when I see kids taking their photos with them. We don’t really advertise that we built them, but it is always cool for me to see them in action knowing that we designed and produced them.

What was your favorite moment from the day?
It was cool to see WoOLMSMD3 Rookie of the Year point leader Drake Troutman get his first WoOLMS. At only 20 years old, he has a bright future ahead. He does it with minimal crew, but Hunter and the rest of his team always work extremely hard. Drake also has one of the most ambitious schedules in the country as his goal is to run 150 races this year between his modified and GR Smith owned late model!

Takeaways & Looking Ahead

Is there anything we need to restock or improve before the next stop?
This coming weekend, I will be attending both nights of the Larry Phillips Memorial at Monett Motor Speedway in Monett Missouri. As this event is primarily USRA Modifieds and B-Mods, we will be showcasing our complete line of Mod parts as well as our all-new Crown Vic Interceptor nose as a large percentage of their weekly Bomber class utilizes the Crown Vic. Expecting big car counts and big crowds both nights.

What city or event are you most excited about next on the schedule?
My first full time job in racing was working for Larry Phillips in 1992 so the LP Memorial is always near and dear to my heart and I can’t wait to spend the weekend honoring the legendary racer that he was. I worked 6 days a week from 8:30-7pm and made $180 cash. But I worked for Larry Phillips. I got paid to learn the sport basically.