Column By: LAURIE FALLIS / RPW – JOHNSTOWN, NY – One would have to ask, after 27 years of running a successful Speed Shop business in Johnstown, NY, why would someone retire after only two years and wanna come back.
What would possess racing legend & business man, Mike Romano to come back for a second tenure and restart Andy’s Speed Shop, the business he originally started…let’s find out.
First question was asked, why did you originally decide to step away and sell “I was burnt-out to be honest. I started Andy’s Speed Shop in 1995 and I was handling everything myself, all those years from top to bottom. It just took a toll on me, especially during the craziness year of covid. It was tough getting parts and we had to ration tire supplys to race teams. The business was still striving, but I really needed a break,” Mike stated.
Mike decided to sell Andy’s Speed Shop in 2022 after nearly three decades of owning the business to Scott Hamlin. Mike would step away and the Speed Shop was renamed to SHR Speed Supply.
While In those two years of retirement Mike could not find his way back to a race track. If there was a track, he would have ventured to Lebanon Valley Speedway. Reason being, not only was the Speed Truck there on every Saturday nights, but because he had made so many great friends over his years at the Valley.
With much of Romano’s racing success coming at Fonda Speedway in years past, Mike now calls “The Valley” his home these days.
Other wise Mike claimed, he really didn’t do to much, just relaxed and took it easy in his home town, Johnstown, NY.
So the big question that people are asking is why would he, and how did he end back up with the keys to the new, Mike’s Andy’s Speed Shop and what has changed this time around.
How did the opportunity of Mike returning back to his wheel house of a businessman unfold for a second go around. Let’s find out.
Mike was first approached by long time friend and former customer Eric Miller whom also has been a constant part of the racing community for many years, being the former owner of Caroga Creek Raceway from 2007 till 2014. He was a car owner over the years and still is.
Miller had approached Mike in December on hearing that Scott Hamlin may be possibly looking to step away from the business and asked if Mike if he would be interested. Eric knew himself that Mike’s answer had to be a yes to pursue any further.
“This could have only happened if Mike would take over 100% and run the Speed Shop.” Miller Stated.
Time passed and Romano and Miller approached Hamlin in early January to see if he would be interested in selling the Speed Shop.
There would be a third member of the partnership added if a deal could be made on purchasing SHR.
Modified Ace Rob Pitcher would become part of the partnership team as well, strictly on the financial aspect only.
A deal was able to be made and Andy’s Speed Shop was reborn on March 1st 2024 with Mike Romano in total control on all decisions and handling of the Speed Shop, and to the thrill of Mike’s new partners, being both have full-time jobs.
“Why would we not do it that way, Mike ran a successful business for 27 years. He knows every aspect of running a Speed Shop. His knowledge and experience is remarkable, that’s priceless. I respect and trust his decisions that comes with credibility” Miller stated.
The second go around Mike is re-energized and eager with a different atmosphere at the shop. Sure he missed it those two years away and he is happy to be back with his customers.
This time around Mike has physical help everyday, unlike his first time as business owner, with not much help. Eric’s son, racer AJ Miller will be in the shop everyday possible doing everything he can and learning under the tutelage of Mike.
AJ also has money invested into the shop, you could say a fourth partner.
Mike will be mentoring AJ along with Brock Bellinger, teaching them on the aspects of running a successful Speed Shop.
The team doesn’t stop there, long time employee of Romano, Chris Miller will still man the fully stocked parts truck at Albany-Saratoga and Lebanon Valley Speedway.
“As I look back I probably wouldn’t have given up the keys to the Speed Shop if I had hired a full time employee to help, but that’s easy look back and say now,” Romano started.
One thing that has not changed is the Bicknell relationship that has been intact with Romano since 1991. The connection started when Mike was stepping away from Troyers and reached out to all the fabricating shops to get the best deal on a race car, and it was Bicknell.
The Canadian business was looking to expand into the states and Mike was looking to start a Speed Shop. A partnership was formed and Andy’s Speed Shop become the first state dealership for Bicknell, and the rest is history.
It certainly was a win, win deal for both.
Something new to Andy’s Speed Shop in ’24 will be accessibility to 604 Crate Late Model supplies, with Eric’s son AJ venturing into to the Late Model Division in 2023. They are also being affiliated with SRI (a large company that supplies different racing organizations parts out of North Carolina)
With LM parts no where to be found in the area, the Miller’s were looking to venture into doing a parts shop that would supply Late Model teams until something else fell into Miller’s lap.
“What perfect timing you could say, I spoke to Mike about the idea of supplying the shop with LM parts. Mike thought with Glen Ridge Motorsports Park having them as a weekly division and the fact that they are venturing to many of the local tracks, why not!”
Time will tell on how well the division will succeed in the North East, but Andy’s Speed Shop will be prepared and supplied for the race teams.
As the 2024 racing season approaches, Andy’s Speed Shop has new life, new opportunities and a new core surrounding the business and that’s key to having fun at your job and for having a successful business.
Mike Romano is grateful to have the keys handed back to him, enjoy the opportunity of having a great team surrounding him. How could he not want to come out of retirement?