2NR: Never! Stop spreading vicious rumors [laughs]!
Frank: But seriously, just adding things to a car that don't have a function. Chrome undercarriages, vertical doors...
2NR: Can't stand the lambo doors, Frank?
Frank: No. I can't. Fake wheels, too. I hate fake wheels. I remember one show in Florida where Eddie from Mackin got into an argument with some kid who had Volk decals on fake TE37s. It was hilarious [laughs]! The kid honestly believed that the wheels he bought were real, even though Eddie was telling him they weren't.
2NR: Eddie had some K-fury [Korean fury] going on [laughs]?
Frank: It was funny. We were all laughing.
2NR [laughs] Yeah, well I can't stand fake wheels either. What about you, Frank?
Frank: There were a lot in the drag racing world, to be honest. We did a lot of things to try to go faster, especially back before there were any parts around. A lot of it looks stupid now, but it helped us realize what we actually needed to be faster.
Frank: I remember when the Bergenholtz brothers first came out with the traction bars, and seeing everyone's reaction, like, "What the...?" But when they actually saw the lower ETs, everyone was like, "We've got to get these things on our cars!"
2NR: What kind of advancements do you see in race and show these days?
Frank: Without a doubt, the rate at which street-class racers are progressing. Sure, the milestones aren't as big as breaking into a new second barrier, but these guys are progressing much faster than we ever did back in the day. Especially the naturally aspirated cars. They would smoke all the fastest turbo cars from back in the day - with full interiors!
Frank: Today, it's all about attention to detail, and keeping your car clean. Back then, it was about making your car crazy, but now its about making it better overall.
2NR: In closing, where do you think the industry is headed?
Frank: I think the industry is in good shape, despite the overall economy. This is an enthusiast industry, and as long as there's disposable income and people interested in building up their cars, it'll be around. We just need to find a program that supports the street guys, but still has a place for the pros to make a living. We have some big plans for next year that will help Battle be better for everyone involved.
Frank: I... have a little bit of a different opinion. I think the market is smaller, and the public image of imports as "rice rockets" is pretty strong. But the overall diehard core of our market is still here. And that's the good thing. The outsider companies and fly-by-night, rip-off manufacturers who never really cared about our scene are starting to leave, but the enthusiasts are still there, and they're who will keep it going.