Steve Matusek understands drag racing can be an emotional experience.

Racing this weekend at the Chevrolet Performance NHRA U.S. Nationals, the driving force behind the Aeromotive Fuel Systems name is facing more emotions than ever since he started making passes down the quarter-mile.

A little under a month ago, Steve bid farewell to a gentleman larger than life in his eyes.

Steve's father, John Matusek, passed away on August 7.

The elder Matusek was a fighter from the day he was born in November 1938, escaping Hungary in 1956 as a freedom fighter against a Russian invading force.

Beyond fighting, John Matusek taught himself how to read and write English. He then focused the relentless spirit of determination and a tireless work ethic into tuning and driving his race cars.

When Steve Matusek grew up and went racing, his dad was always there for him.

"These events are tough for me because when we tested in St. Louis the first time, he was there," Steve recalled. "The first time I won a race was in St. Louis, and I crashed in St. Louis, and he was always there."

On the same token when his father would go racing, Steve was there too. The tears are hard to fight back when Steve talks about his first Indy experience 52 years ago,  going to the NHRA U.S. Nationals with his dad.

"This was our summer vacation in 1964," Matusek said proudly. "He ran a B/Dragster with a Hemi, front engine dragster."

Steve would follow his dad's footsteps both in racing,  and later channeling his work ethic into developing a successful business.  

"He's my inspiration for the Aeromotive," Steve admitted. "I don’t race like he raced. My Dad raced mad. He didn’t want trophies; he just wanted the check. He won races, and when he lost, he wasn’t supposed to lose. You know, I race with purpose. I’m trying to develop new products."

This week is a different story for Matusek.  

"I am racing with a purpose this weekend," Matusek said. "Let’s put it this way … we’re motivated to win."