2NR: Since AEM began sponsoring cars back in the early days of import racing with such names as Tony Fuches in the Cyber Integra, Albert (Buddha) in the Cyber CRX, and Darren Ishitani in the Honda Service Center CRX, how has that propelled the company into major sponsorships with racecars today?
JC: It's amazing that so much has been accomplished over the years. Tony and Darren, to name a few, were the top contenders back in the days, which gave AEM a big name in the import industry. If you recall, Tony was carburated at the time and Darren was one of the first to campaign a turbo CRX. Because those guys were so dominant in their race field, it gave AEM the attention it deserved and it enabled us to gradually expand and sponsor drivers such as Steph.
2NR: What do you currently drive? Do you have any project cars you wrench on your days off?
JC: My daily driver is an NSX. Unfortunately, because I hardly have days off of work, I don't have much time to wrench on my own car. I have a spare NSX motor sitting in my garage and a turbo kit just itching to be put in my car, but our racecar is eating too much of my time. I can only stare at the motor for the moment.
2NR: What do you like to do on your days off?
JC: Kicking back with my big Labrador retriever on my not-quite-beachfront-but-two-blocks-away home just relaxing. To be honest, I'm always thinking about my work and the company. It's a passion for me and I take such pride and enjoyment in what I do; I just can't get enough. I'm a big F1 nut so this year I will be going to Montreal with Steph and some of my friends for the Formula One race. We try to attend at least one race a year.
2NR: A true car junky! Who's your favorite F1 driver?
JC: Well think about it, I am Italian so you figure it out (both laughing). Yes it's the red car and Michael Shaumacher of Ferrari. Not Eddie Irvine. He's just a total dick and a complete jerkoff.
2NR: Our readers want to know what products you have coming out in the near future. Is there something under wraps that will revolutionize the import industry?
JC: Right now we have two new electronic products coming out. (At this point John asks when the article is available on the newsstands so news of the products would not be leaked out into the general public earlier than expected). The first product is a two-channel UEGO (Universal Exhaust Gas Oxygen) sensor controller to go with the ECU. As you know, a lot of companies use a wide-band system, but the UEGO is the more accurate of the two. The great thing about this system is that it will be relatively inexpensive. The UEGO sensor system will be able to be used with any EFI system and at a later date we will introduce it as a stand-alone tuning tool.
2NR: And the other product?
JC: The second is currently under wraps, but all I can tell you is it's a black box that works in conjunction with an engine management system. Sure its been done before, but never for this price. (Your guess is as good as mine is readers. I also have no fucking clue, but I'm sure this bit of information will keep us guessing for a while).
2NR: Any final thoughts John?
JC: Gosh... all I can say is I love doing what I do and I'm gonna do it forever as far as I can see. As long as we are having a blast-which we are-we will continue to advance forward. There are a million people and a million reasons to be thankful, including the people who support me and the team to get us to where we are today.
2NR:Thank you for the interview
JC: No, thank you. I had a blast!
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Advance Engine Management (AEM)
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