Well boys and girls it has been a fun and exciting road the past 7 years. I have met and befriended some amazing people, talented builders, and some personal heroes of mine during the process, as well as provided some well innovative parts to some amazing builds. I got to learn a whole lot from the massive collective in this hobby from owners and vendors alike; I even got to help teach others as I went along.
I wanted to thank all of you for your support for the last 7 years, it meant the world to me that you guys choose to use my company to help build your dream cars. I can never thank you guys enough.
I’d like to thank Larry Callahan and Scott Gulbranson for running the sites we all habitually check and post our lives on, you two helped further this industry by providing all of us with a place to share tech and information with each other; we would not have made it this far with out your help. I’d also like to thank Steve Chryssos- my brother from another mother. I’m sure most of you are unaware, but Steve has been one of the driving forces behind ATS for the past 5 years. He took me under his wing and helped me to become the business man I am today. He is much too humble to admit to it, but he helped me with everything from graphic design, to managing a dealer account with my own vendors. I’d still be struggling through the ins and outs of this industry if it wasn’t for him. Steve- thank you. I wish I had to knowledge to repay the favor to you.
There a few thousand people I’d also like to thank in no particular order:
Jim Shipka- You showed me what a little attention to detail and an ATS catalog can become. The One Lap Camaro was truly the highest honor anyone could ever pay to me. The car is simply amazing, and I wish I could have done more for you on the project. Thank you for choosing my product line and supporting my vendors.
Shane Wagner- You took one hell of a chance on me. I’m thankful that you did. You alone took my vision and made it into reality. You are one hell of an engineer that can never be replaced. Thank you for everything.
Russell McLean- The worlds best fabricator. I love how people still argue that a robot did the welds on our Tri-Y headers. You are one talented robot. Thanks for all the hours and detail you poured into making our products by hand. I have found that it is people like you and Shane that allowed me to become successful.
Kyle and Stacy Tucker of DSE- You were always kind to me when I was starting out. Kyle always took the time to answer any stupid questions I had about running one of these business, and even though I became a small competitor in our industry, you never shut the door on me. Thanks for giving all of us a large target to aspire to. DSE will always be the top dog, but we will all like to follow suit behind you guys.
I know there are a few lurkers and banned board members that are just too ecstatic to hear this statement come out of my mouth:
American Touring Specialties is closing its doors. We will fill all current in stock orders that are pending. Any back ordered items that have not already been made will be getting a call from me to confirm the cancellation of the sale order.
We will continue to operate on a part time basis in the future, so the end is not a permanent one. We’ll get back up one of these days but this economy has left me a broken man, unable to continue operations.
Any vendors or distributors of mine can make offers for any part of the ATS business, from our product line to our inventory and project vehicles. I will entertain all offers.
Again- thank you all for the best 7 years of my life. I hope to return in the future.
Take care.
We are all sorry to see your go but 7 years is allot longer than most people make it in one of the hardest business around, especially when you try to make a quality product.
Tyler, I knew things were amiss last time we talked & I did not want to ask
that kind of question. I have alot of your parts on my project & you have always been great to work with. You answered many of my bonehead questions with a great attitude. You will return soon I hope. You are the most passionate PT dude on the boards & this is sad for all. I never knew that T-56 install video of you in the gready jeans would be a collectors item!
Sorry to hear about this but you'll be back I'm sure. As far as shutting the doors on this endeavor, whats to become of what inventory you have left? I'm mainly interested in what g-body parts you may still have available.
Brian Hobaugh SCCA National Tour June 2014
First Hemi 'Cuda Convertible Ever Built
Short clips: Goodguys Pleasanton autocross and pit videos
American Touring Specailties thanks you all.....
Hybrid Mode
