Article by: Glenn Eldridge
Photos courtesy of: Hoek'd Up Performance

Recently the West Coast GearHeads Magazine crew was invited to Hoek'd Up Performance in Ventura, Calif. to check out their latest project. When we received the call, we knew we were in for a treat since Aaron Hoekstra, owner of Hoek'd Up Performance, is known for his creativity and performance skills with a unique combination of high tech and old school applications.

We were greeted by Steve Cobilich, Sales Manager for Hoek'd Up who briefed us on a project that would be revealed at SEMA 2011. When we saw the Red 2012 Camaro, White stripes, performance parts boxes everywhere, the big #1 on the doors, and the “Big Red” banner on the windshield there was no doubt they were on to something cool.

Here's a history lesson on the original "Big Red" for those of you wondering why this is such a big deal. According to the BigRedCamaro.com website, just under 25 years ago Dan and Richard (R.J) Gottlieb developed a 1969 Camaro with a goal to "beat any modern production car on the road." Their first design included an 800hp 540 CI engine built by the late John Lingenfelter that could sustain high speeds over a 90 - 120 mile flat-out course. Big Red is famous for overwhelming the competition in the many races run and made many appearances in several magazines.



According to Aaron, the 2012 Camaro was a prime candidate for his vision to develop the Big Red Tribute Camaro since the LS3 Camaro could manage a Magnason power adder - the TVS 2300 Magnacharger. Aaron's key goal was to design the car using components that are CARB legal in California, which have some of the toughest emission laws in the United States, while achieving stellar performance results.

The Big Red Tribute 2012 Camaro SS package adds substantial power, adjustable suspension performance, and styling. Components include an exclusive Sachs dampner suspension upgrade, Borla exhaust, Pirelli P-Zero 305/35/20 Rear and 275/40/20 Front tires are mounted on BBS 20" wheels (10.5" rear, 9" front), Hurst short throw shifter, Scott Drake engine component dress-up kit, Custom Big Red headrests, Custom White stripes to match the original Big Red, a Big Red decal package, and most importantly an autographed serial number plaque signed by the original driver of Big Red, R.J. Gottlieb.

Interested? You should be...
This is a significant package that you won't find anywhere else and Hoek'd Up Performance wants to sell several.

Here's how to get more info:

Hoek'd Up Performance
Steve Cobilich
Sales Manager
Shop: (805) 278-2800
Cell: 805) 607-4009
steve@hoekdupperformance.com
4082 N. Southbank Rd, Suite E, Oxnard, CA 93036




Here are the details for the Big Red Tribute 2012 Camaro
courtesy of Steve Cobilich - Hoek'd Up Performance

A 500+HP 2012 version of a Legend
The 2012 Big Red Tribute Series was developed by Hoek'd Up Performance in Ventura, California. Richard Gottlieb, the Original Big Red Hot Shoe, is scheduled to help dial in the performance and handling of the car. Hoek'd Up Performance would like to thank the Gottlieb family for their support and enthusiasm for this Tribute series.

BRT 001 (Big Red Tribute Serial # 001) is a fire breathing younger brother that is a true full blown tribute of the original Big Red. This emissions legal true street super car includes a custom tuned track designed suspension package, well over 500 supercharged horsepower thanks to a Magnacharger 2300, performance oriented exhaust by Borla, massive brakes and a custom graphics package, BRT 001 is a potent mix of high end performance with classic aesthetics.




Big Red Tribute 2012 Camaro SS

The Big Red Tribute Package includes:

• An Autographed Serial Number Plaque signed by the original driver of Big Red, R.J. Gottlieb
• Borla "S" Type cat-back exhaust (CARB Legal)
• Magnuson TVS 2300 Magnacharger (Carb Legal) 550 Street Legal horses
• Hoek'd Up-Sachs Coil-over Dampeners with Eibach Springs
• Drake Muscle Cars Bow Tie Delete and Billet Caps
• BBS Wheels 20x9 +35 Front wheels which fit Pirelli P-Zero 275/40/20
• BBS Wheels 20x10.5 +29 Rear wheels which fit Pirelli P-Zero 305/35/20 for that added traction
• Custom embroidered Big Red headrests
• Custom painted rally stripes to match original Big Red colors
• Hurst Short Throw Shifter
• Big Red Decal Package

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So, whatever happened to the original Big Red Camaro you ask?




Big Red One debuted in Ensenada, Mexico at the La Carerra Road Race in April 1988. This course ran from Ensenada to San Felipe with competitors ranging from motorcycles on up to super cars like Ferrari, Porsche, etc. The race proved the superior performance of Big Red One with average calculated speed of 190mph and peak speeds over 200mph. While in the lead and close to the end of the race, Big Red one had a mechanical failure causing R.J to lose control at over 140mph. Both R.J. and his co-pilot Chris Kaufmann came out of the crash with only minor scrapes and bruises.

A 2nd version of Big Red was re-designed with a structure to withstand the high-speeds and added safety features. Bill Osborne of Inland Chassis Design and former NASCAR driver, was enlisted to build the next version from the ground up with a stock car tube chassis and racing suspension components. The Lingenfelder engine was completely redone by Larry Mollicone. Larry's expertise is building race boat engines that endure the demanding conditions. Big Red Two or commonly known as Big Red not only came back to win the La Carerra Road Race, it also set the record.

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The West Coast GearHeads Magazine crew will certainly follow the progress of the Hoek'd Up Performance "Big Red Tribute 2012 Camaro SS" and report updates as they unfold.

Big Red was a significant inspiration in the lives of many. Source information for this article include Hoek'd Up Performance, BigRedCamaro.com, and many GearHead stories shared at various events.

Big Red Camaro, Dan Gottlieb, R.J. Gottlieb, Chris Kaughman, Bill Osborne, Inland Chassis Design, John Lingenfelder, Lingenfelder, Larry Mollicone, La Carerra, Pro-Touring