By Ashley Reyes
Air Flow Research (AFR) is the newest SEMA Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) member spotlight company.
Based in Valencia, California, AFR has been been serving racing and performance enthusiasts for more than 50 years and is best known for its fully CNC ported cylinder heads. The company also offers other performance parts, such as rocker systems, intake manifolds and camshafts that benefit customers when they are modifying and building their engines. Get to know the company’s history in SEMA’s interview with AFR director of marketing and sales Tim Torrecarion, below.
SEMA: How did AFR get started?
Tim Torrecarion: The business began with Ken Sperling and Warren Brownfield back in the early days. Just like most of the longstanding brands in our industry, it all began with a desire to go fast. We were porting heads for teams all across the country, such as Bob Glidden, Warren Johnson, Darrel Waltrip, Richard Petty and many others.
SEMA: What was your breakthrough moment?
TT: We have had a few breakthrough moments during our 50-plus years in business. If I had to pick just one, it would be our early adoption of CNC machining cylinder heads. This did two things to help grow the business and our brand. One, it reduced the time to port cylinder heads. Second, it allowed for greater consistency between ports and from head-to-head.
SEMA: Tell us about a particular project, product or build you are proud of.
TT: We released a line of budget-friendly cylinder heads, known as the Enforcers, which are doing better than we anticipated. Because of this success, we are looking at growing the line beyond the initial four products: 195cc SBC, 185cc SBF, 325cc BBC and a 210cc LS1.
performance enthusiasts for more than 50 years.
SEMA: What does MPMC mean to your company?
TT: Our business started because of motorsports and the racers helped us get to where we are today. The MPMC’s sole purpose and focus is to support racing and those involved with motorsports, specifically the manufacturers. Whether that is spreading the word about government regulations, business best practices or new technology, the MPMC is vital to the sustainability and future of our industry.
SEMA: What is one thing you could say that MPMC could do to help a new or growing business in the motorsports industry?
TT: The MPMC has several resources to help businesses in many different ways. Please reach out and talk with someone from the council to address your specific needs and that of your business.
SEMA: What do you want others to know about your company?
TT: 2020 was our 50th anniversary and we are just as excited today as we were back then to be designing, manufacturing and selling high-performance parts that racers and performance enthusiasts alike are asking for.
Fill out an MPMC member spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the motorsports industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on MPMC’s social media, SEMA eNews and future MPMC member updates.