tZ: Eric A.K.A. Goldmember, give us a brief history about your racing career
GM:I started watching while making decals for racers like Jarrod Silvers, Leevon Eisele,Myles Bautista and then I was a tire pressure checker for Jake Mitra’s 13B Starlet and Mike Malabanans Drag Integra.I loved to be part of a team of friends just having fun.
tZ: Why did you pick the Hot Rod class?
GM:Being the center of attention in one of the top classes, what could be better. 10 to 15,000 people waiting for me to light the beams. I stage slow to enjoy the moment sometimes. I’m like in a gold fish in a tank and all eyes are on me. I am always on a mission to prove that,on any given Saturday or Sunday, the little man could enjoy victory circle too!
tZ: And the Integra chassis?
GM:Long and smooth body lines and I own a 93 DA Integra, Once in an Integra, you have to die having one.
tZ: Where did the GOLD theme originate from?
GM:Top Secret gold color cars from Japan, it was supposed to McClaren Orange but Gold was alright.Also later on the movie Goldmember. You have to love that he had the gold package going on.
tZ: What would you say it takes to race competitively in the Hot Rod class? Can you give us some insight on the Hot Rod class itself?
GM:Determination, because money rules this class. If you ain’t having fun being there, it might just be a long day at work.You have to love being watched by thousands, its a premier class and everyone is looking. Figure this,with my luck, back to back weekends at E-town and Atco last year and in the second round I meet Gary Gardella twice.I guess the beauty of it was that I had the best seat in the whole world to watch Gardella go blazing 8.3 and 8.5 down the track.
tZ: What are your current thoughts on sponsorships? Can an everyday kid off the street get into drag racing seriously?
GM:Nope, Unless your damn fast, or your car looks sweet, or your a lady, it ain’t gonna happen. Companies don’t want to invest on anybody if they have to pay, not many.
tZ: When you’re not racing, I’m sure you’re watching. What’s your favorite class to watch right now?
GM: Pro RWD, Man these cars can do crazy burnouts and launch crazy and make crazy noise.
tZ: Who all has helped out on the race car? Who’s all part of your team?
GM: My partner Jay Sibal(J’s Racing), Roy Alagao(Exospeed), Exedy Clutch, Jason “NARC” Figeras, Ryan Resella, Thomas “CAMP1320”, Myles Bautista “Rev Hard”, Jojo Callos(JCR), Carcraft Autobody(Bong), Daikin Clutch(Bernie,Eloy,Melissa),Trackmasters-Eric,Leonard(Spam N’ Rice),Robbie, Drive Shaft Shop, Full-Race Motorsports,Exospeed, Golden Eagle Mfg.,Arias Pistons,D2 Coillovers, Autocare(Jake Mitra), TNT motorsports, Jameson “all motor 9 second Mustang”Suarez, Martin NY,JD Recto, Cookie Alonzo(Cookie Graphics),Carisma,SI Valves,Alan Camero,. Jonathon RH,Alex 510 boy,Jonathon TNT,Mark, Jesse,Booya Built,Ben Alameda,Baker,RS. tZ: What are your plans for the ’06 season? Do you think drag racing will live on for many more years?
GM:Aftermarket Tranny, Go on 200 lbs.diet, Big Turbo, JCR tuning. Drag racing will live forever as long as there are streets.
tZ: Thanks for your time Eric – here’s some time for your own. Feel free to drop any last minute comments or shout outs, thanks, etc… anything you want!
GM::Cecille,Angie,Thao, tunerzine, my nephew Aaron, Tin, Katrina, class 410A,and to all those who paved the way for the new generation racers to compete.
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