On Aug. 2, Todd Paton began Day 1 of his new job. The Top Fuel and Funny Car driver, after 12 years at Racepak, walked across the street to a new building and started his own company – Performance Data Systems, in Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.
“I’ve been racing in alcohol and fuel cars pretty much my whole life, and when I came to Racepak I already had that experience, plus I’ve been around computers for so long,” Paton said. “It was the perfect job for me, I took my racing experience and computer science degree and melded the two together. It was a great opportunity.
“As things go on and as changes with the company (Racepak) go on now they are going to do more mass merchandising through Jegs and Summit and stuff like that, which is where Holley really excels. We are probably going to see situations where it is going to be tough to get on-site support at some of these events. That’s what we’re really going to focus on and continue to offer 1-on-1 service at these events.”
Paton also wants to let people know what his company has to offer.
“We have parts, if anyone has a question about their data system whether it is a Racepak or FuelTech or AutoMeter or whatever, we are more than willing to help because as racers we have been on that side of the equation when we get to the track and our stuff will not work and you don’t know how to walk the walk or talk the talk when it comes to computers,” Paton said. “A lot of people are intimidated and we are help see them through that.
“We are going to release a customer support app in the coming weeks, where they can directly access not just a library of videos and self-help tips, but also will be able to have direction communication with somebody at the event they are at. Of course, we will continue to do the same type of on-site support that we have been doing at all the NHRA events, some of the IHRA events, PDRA and bunch of the events where we have feet on the ground, because you have to be where the customers are.”
Paton acknowledged leaving his old job wasn’t easy.
“It’s hard walking away from a job basically you spent a quarter of your life at,” Paton said. “It was my dream job, other than driving Fuel cars. It was tough walking out the door, but I know there’s a need for it. I just feel there’s a need for all the customers who have these products out there and are just going to be requiring some level of support and we want to be available for them. We are here because everyone has got a certain amount of inventory and we want to make sure we continue to help them use it and learn from it.”
Performance Data Systems will offer their services and parts through their online store at www.RacePDS.com, and the website will be active soon. Customers can also call the company’s office at 949-652-6300.
Get the @competitionplus Mobile APP to get your drag racing news quick and easy. – https://t.co/HsiKEmdZXO pic.twitter.com/qpgtrHqnpr
— Competition Plus (@competitionplus) January 4, 2019
