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Revved
up for racing
 Take
two avid drag-racing families, a dash of entrepreneurial
spirit and the desire to fill a niche market and what
do you get? Raceworld Inc., a Winchester shop dedicated
to all things racing, from high-performance parts to
paraphernalia such as T-shirts and key chains.
Drag
racers Todd Welzel and Ricky Brannon noticed that products
and services for racers in their area were scarce. So
the two friends, along with their wives, Toni Welzel
and Jana Brannon, opened Raceworld in April to help
fill the void. NASCAR and National Hot Rod Association
fans can find accessories, but more importantly drivers
can find specialty parts they need that aren't available
at local auto part stores.
"The
parts we have are basically for drag racers," Jana
Brannon says, "but we're not limited. We're also
able to get truck and vehicle parts and accessories
for everyday vehicles." Specialty, high-performance
parts include valve covers, MSD ignition products, safety
equipment such as harnesses and a variety of gaskets.
If the store doesn't have an item, it can usually get
it from a vendor overnight.
Although
she won't disclose revenues, Jana says the new business
has been successful. It limits advertising to local
publications and radio because so far the best means
of getting its name out has been through word-of-mouth.
And by meeting new people at the racetrack: Both Todd
and Ricky are licensed through the NHRA and frequent
the Sumerduck Dragway near Warrenton.
Jana
says they've received nothing but positive feedback
from customers, especially those marveling over the
store's conversation piece - a tall stand that resembles
a traffic light and signals the start of a drag race.
So far, no one's purchased the item, which comes with
a $1,000 price tag, but it's a definite attraction.
-
Leila Marija Ugincius
Return to Virginia Business - February
2002
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