Speedwell Footwear Closing its doors...

[Speedwell]

Hello All,

I wanted to take a moment to let you know that the owners of Speedwell Footwear have decided to go in a different direction and will be closing our U.S. office and operations. This will be effective February 1, 2006.

I have enjoyed working for this company and this industry and appreciate having the opportunity to work with all of you. Thank you for your support and friendship. I especially want to thank the drivers, RJ, Ken, Dai, and Sam, all the magazines, Formula D, Ricardo, Jarod, Toyo, Endless, Pacific Rim, Ken Straka, Mark Arcenal, and the ID Agency for building this brand and sharing their experience with me.

Speedwell has been great and the response has been overwhelming. Sales in December were higher than ever. The concept and idea of a lifestyle driving shoe for the import enthusiast took awhile to build, but I think that we have paved the road for something new and exciting.

Last chance to purchase the shoes before they are gone. Prices have been reduced dramatically. The web store will be closed Jan 30.

Thanks again and let's keep the party going...

- John Pangilinan
Speedwell Marketing Director

<a href="http://www.speedwellfootwear.com/store2/home.php" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.aaronludwig.net/speedwell/speedwell_468_60.gif" border="0"></a>

[craiglieberman]

John;
My very best wishes for success in the future.

You guys did a great job across the board...your powerful network and team was pretty much a dream team. I can only attribute this move to the general slow down we're seeing in the tuner market as a whole.

I know whatever you touch in the future will be successful. Best wishes and thanks for the contributions you and your group made to the industry.

[yukio@jic-magic]

Sad to hear this news.

I love my speedwell's that I got from SEMA at the Modified Party. Love them to DEATH! I generally don't care about my shoes but these, I make sure that they're clean ALL THE TIME. Hope everything goes well in the future for everyone at Speedwell.

[swifty949]

Yes I love my Drift Units too, and I just ordered some more today.

[drift240]

Sorry to hear this. I love my harness. Better buy a couple pair quick. Good luck in the future.

[MonkeySlide]

Im gonna miss their print ads...

[Speedwell]

Thanks guys for all the kind words!

-Craig I haven't seen you in awhile. How have you been? Still at Magnaflow?

-Yukio - The Modified party was fun...I'm glad you were able to get some kicks!

-monkeyslide - I'm gonna miss creating those ads...I had some great ideas for the next campaign and new models to introduce as well...maybe next time

I did my best to keep it alive and going strong, but it's hard with a limited budget to introduce a new brand. But no worries, I am sure as drifting and the automotive lifestyle grows there will be more opportunities for a driving/lifestyle shoe aimed at our market.

I'll see you guys around!

-jp

[Slapshotnerd]

Sucks

I got a pair last year, and I love em! looks like i'll have to pick up a few pairs before they're unavailable!

[B DRIFTIN]

Problems...

I don't know about anybody else but I am having problems with the site. For some reason it keeps hickuping and reloading. I want to order some shoes...somebody fix this before the 30th. I am a real newbie to drifting, but I want to make sure when I first get in my car I am prepared all around from my skills to my wheels and then to my heels.

I don't know about speedwell too much but can someone from the company tell me what is the next move because I would hate to see a company with such a good product head the way of the dinosaur but before its time to really shine? So, if its not to much trouble can someone from the company hit me up with the 411?

[geekmonster]

wow, thats kind of unexpected. i think i'll have to hurry and buy a pair of the gush mids before they're all gone. how much smaller of a fit are these shoes compared to regular(nike, vans) shoes?

[Slapshotnerd]

wow, thats kind of unexpected. i think i'll have to hurry and buy a pair of the gush mids before they're all gone. how much smaller of a fit are these shoes compared to regular(nike, vans) shoes?

mine were same size as my street shoes

[yukio@jic-magic]

I just picked up 4 more pairs...

[craiglieberman]

Thanks guys for all the kind words!

-Craig I haven't seen you in awhile. How have you been? Still at Magnaflow?

-Yukio - The Modified party was fun...I'm glad you were able to get some kicks!

-monkeyslide - I'm gonna miss creating those ads...I had some great ideas for the next campaign and new models to introduce as well...maybe next time

I did my best to keep it alive and going strong, but it's hard with a limited budget to introduce a new brand. But no worries, I am sure as drifting and the automotive lifestyle grows there will be more opportunities for a driving/lifestyle shoe aimed at our market.

I'll see you guys around!

-jp

Hi JP:
Yup, still at MagnaFlow...working on taking my SL600 on the Bullrun this year. Just got the 20's, need to get a chip and a body kit to finish off this Benz.

Mario Andretti (our company spokesperson) and I will share this and another car for the Bullrun event. The Bullrun will be a new experience for me...8 days, 7 nights, 3000 miles, partying with celebs and getting paid to co-drive with Mario. I'm covering it for Modified mag and Spike TV will hook up cameras to the cars, so it'll be interesting to watch the footage....Good stuff...God, I love this job!

Stay in touch, please.

[Speedwell]

B Driftin - The site seems to be working fine. You might want to check your comp for any virus protection stuff that might be blocking or messing with it. You can also call the office at 949 645 8084 and talk to Traci...she will be able to help you order some shoes!
As for Speedwell as a company there a numerous reasons that it is shutting down. One of the main ones is that we were pioneering something new and may be a little too early and waiting for everyone to catch up is expensive.

Sizing of the shoes is pretty true to size. Although we only offer 1/2 sizes most of the time going up to the next size works. For example I wear a 9 1/2 and the 10 fits me fine. 4 days left to pick up the shoes!!!

Craig - I'm sure I'll see you soon!