JK: You'd have to see it to believe it. It was probably one of the most ridiculous exhaust systems I have seen in my life. It was targeted for the mini wagons and was this exhaust that came down in an angle and had this round billet aluminum cap with bolts all round it. The exhaust actually went out underneath it and had anodized colors. It was ridiculous, but you know those guys out here with all those neons and stuff on their cars might take a liking to this system.
2NR: Working as the chief of R&D for HKS, what parts or products does HKS have coming out in the near future?
JK: One of the cars we are currently working on is the 350Z, which has a growing popularity and potential within the industry. We are finishing up a gearless supercharger kit for the Z, as well as an exhaust and an intake that will be released soon. Also available is an exhaust, a downpipe and of course the VPRO fuel management for the Mitsubishi EVO. We are coming out with a suspension line called the RS line which is affordably priced and promotes a vastly improved handling over the stock suspension in the more popular vehicles, such a the EVO and the 350Z. We will also be revisiting the Scion xB and xA to develop a turbo kit as well as suspension components in the future.
2NR: What has been your most memorable moment in the industry, whether it be a car or individual that has made a lasting impression on you?
JK: I had met so many people during my FastTrax days and they are all considered notable in my book as far as I'm concerned. It goes back to the original guys who were the front-runners in the industry like Abel Ibarra and Adam Saruwatari, who really drew those crowds and gave recognition to the import industry. Another one of the most memorable moments was during a Battle of Imports where I had made a few T-shirts with the FastTrax logo on them and handed them out to some of the media guys and the guys who were running my turbos. I recall during that day in all the classes the top competitors were running a FastTrax turbo and before I knew it, I saw all these people walking around the event with FastTrax T-shirts. That was one of the most gratifying experiences I think I'd ever experienced.
2NR: Any last words or future aspirations?
JK: One thing's for sure: Till I die I'll probably have a fixed-up car. I thought I would grow out of it at one point in time but I still have fun and always look forward to new technology and products within the market. Any hobby I had or whatever I could get my hand on has never been left alone or maintained stock status for long. I love what I do and what goes on in the industry.