Here is an accomplished ‘car guy’ who reflects perhaps more accomplished and inspiring facets of automotive and “rags to riches” achievement than anyone in the multiple areas of his stellar career. From hot rodder on city streets to champion race car driver in drag racing, land speed record racing and rocket cars, to speed shops and leading the performance aftermarket with innovations – and eventually rising to international fame when he led his team and driver Mario Andretti to win the Indianapolis 500 – to eventually earn his nickname “Mr. 500” along the way. If that weren’t enough, any time you see the letters ‘STP’ on chemical additives at the parts store – you can know that the man behind that famous brand is just one more enduring ‘victory’ by this legendary individual.

Visiting with him at his waterfront residence near Santa Barbara, Calif., in a secluded part of Montecito, this interview takes us into a trip across the years back to “Mr. 500’s” earliest days as a ambitious boy, along with his two brothers, in the frigid winters and near-poverty lifestyle in Chicago and through highlights of his adventures. With a burning desire to rise beyond his childhood struggles to help his family survive the post-Depression years, his biography shines light on the path of accomplishment for anyone who wants to “believe” that hard work, passion and vision are a powerful mix. Here’s the story of personality that can be measured in horsepower and lasting contributions to the auto industry, motorsports and car culture.