2NR: Readers have heard you have quite a history in open wheel cars, do you have any connections or relations to Cart racing, IRL, or Indy Racing?
JC: Interesting you should ask that (laughs). The general manager at Cosworth Racing, Kim Spearman, is a very good friend of mine. Actually, we're planning on going to dinner tonight just to sit down and shoot the shit about cars. I think it's a huge advantage in the industry to have friends in cars. We can relay information back and forth , get advice on what should be done or what needs addressing to make our cars more competitive in the future. Obviously Kim has experience, but its kind of a symbiotic learning process between us. Our engineers are used to dealing with single-cylinder horsepower figures, but because of Cosworth's vast knowledge in failure analysis with high RPM engines, they help a great deal. Also they now do all of the machine work on the race engines. That's where this great relationship comes into play and we can share ideas.
2NR: We've heard your engineering staff is quite knowledgeable in the racing industry as well.
JC: We have plenty of X- Gurney, Toyota Racing and Honda Racing employees working for AEM. These guys are incredible; they possess invaluable knowledge of automotive technology. It's incredible, the resources they bring with them. Knowledge is your best ally and I have a lot of respect for my staff and crew.
2NR: AEM has stepped up to the plate this season, campaigning two cars. Who do you think will be your biggest rival as of this season?
JC: Racing wise, it would have to be the Bullish racing team. Arrrgh ... those two guys, George and Ara, are such a class act. Take my word, I'm still gonna kick their ass! They are just incredible and tough to beat (grinning). Actually the Turbonetics car and the Scranton boys.... Damn, they are some tough competitors! Competition in rear-wheel drive this year is tough. At the most recent Englishtown event there were 13 or 14 cars trying to make the eight-car field, and all I can say is these competitors are dead serious. It seems the Bullish guys are gonna be the toughest because they seem to be consistently quick. The Turbonetic guys are going really fast, but similar to us, they seem to be havingto work out a lot of minor problems with their car.
2NR: And as far as any manufacturers?
JC: I have tremendous respect for companies such as HKS and Trust. I say that because they make a good quality product and they stand on their own merit. There's an old saying for the word R&D and what it stands for at certain companies. For some, the term R&D stands for "rip-off and duplicate" and HKS and Trust don't do that. They continually come out with new products on a consistent basis and I give them lots of credit for that.
2NR: Back in the day, shops like Pantera, RPS, and AEM have always been the go-to guy when it comes to tuning stand-alone computers such as TEC II units. What do you think of all the automotive shops popping out on every block, claiming to be the elite tuners?
JC: Some probably have validity and some don't. You have to have a feel for the engine. Not only do you need to know how things work together mechanically, but also the engines components and systems' theory of operation. I've seen a lot of shops come and go. The short termers who half ass a lot of their work often charge peanuts, but why would you really want to pay a discount price for some half-ass work? I sure wouldn't. Its funny, because my friend from Cosworth tells me, "You know JC, we're not bent enough or crooked enough, are we?"