Technology gives Randell Edgell access to a global market. Photo / Kenny Rodger
Randell Edgell is the man behind some of the fastest cars in motorsport. He has worked with racing legends Kenny Smith, and local competitors Kane Scott and his son, Tim Edgell. He's currently working on Zohab Razak's drag car, changing the colour and replacing the engine in preparation
for a new world record bid - the fastest four-cylinder four wheel drive.
Razak has brought his car to Edgell Automotive in Glenfield for the past five years. "Everything Randell does here is unique and I'm extremely happy with it," he said.
Edgell is considered an expert in his field due to his enterprising use of technology and more than three decades of experience.
He uses an interactive system allowing him to tune engines around the world, all from his North Shore workshop.
Mr Edgell said he was lucky enough to be one of the first in New Zealand to learn the technique from Australian V8 driver Larry Perkins, 20 years ago.
"Back then I spent two days with Larry, hunched over a laptop trying to get my head around it," he said.
"Now the technology and the requirements are changing. Back then we were lucky if we did 10 a year."
Now Edgell Automotive tunes more than 200 engines annually. Mr Edgell has travelled with motorcyclist Rhys Jones and worked with Nobuhiro "Monster" Tajima, race president of Suzuki Sport, when he raced at Pike's Peak, Colorado, in 2001.
Even Mr Edgell's business card is distinctive - it was designed by eccentric artist Billy Apple, also a long time client of Edgell Automotive.
Mr Edgell first entered the automotive industry as an apprentice at age 16, after leaving Takapuna Grammar School.
"I used to spend the weekends out at Pukekohe, and just caught the disease," he said. "The best thing about my business is it's also my hobby."
It's also a family business, and the workplace of his wife of 35 years, Janice.
"We still get on well," said Mrs Edgell. "We just try not to talk shop at home."
Mr Edgell said New Zealanders wanting to "rev-up" their cars should consider what they were aiming for, before deciding on the parts they want.
"People don't understand they'll ruin their cars and it'll be back to Trade Me."
