Robarge Uncovers Counterfeit Operation Selling Copycat Ford Transmission Parts
Jay Robarge is a well-known designer and manufacturer of upgraded Ford transmission parts, mainly for drag racing, operating under the name “Broader Performance.” Robarge’s unique selling point is that he sells directly to customers, bypassing traditional distributors. So, when he received a complaint about a defective valve body that was supposedly one of his designs, but not sold by him, Robarge was taken aback.
The incident came to light when a customer contacted Robarge about a faulty valve body they had purchased from Summit Racing, a leading retailer in the automotive industry. Robarge does not supply to Summit Racing, indicating that something was amiss. Upon further investigation, Robarge unearthed a troubling discovery – another company had been replicating and selling his designs through Summit Racing.
On April 11, Robarge showcased two valve bodies, one of his own and the other purchased from Summit, in a YouTube video. The valve body acquired from Summit came in a Speedmaster-branded box, but upon inspection, Robarge found his “Broader Performance” engraving on the component. This led him to believe that Speedmaster had copied his valve body design, either failing to remove the original branding or intentionally using it for profit.
The distinguishing tool marks on both valve bodies suggested that the Speedmaster product was not sourced from Robarge’s workshop. The exact process of how Speedmaster obtained Robarge’s design remains unclear, though speculations point towards unauthorized replication through 3D scanning and subsequent mass production without proper licensing.
Upon learning of the counterfeit product, Summit Racing swiftly responded, declaring that they would cease all business collaborations with Speedmaster and halt the sale of their inventory of the disputed valve bodies. This move was met with approval from forum members and Redditors, who questioned Summit’s oversight for not scrutinizing the authenticity of Speedmaster’s parts beforehand.
Robarge has since expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support received from fans, customers, and the automotive community. Summit reiterated its stance by confirming the removal of all Speedmaster products from their website and inventory.
The origins of Speedmaster, purportedly a Chinese company with locations in Sydney, Los Angeles, and Shanghai, raise questions about the ethical practices of the company. While the manufacturing locations of Speedmaster’s components remain ambiguous, the main concern lies in the blatant replication and sale of a smaller manufacturer’s proprietary designs by a larger corporation, facilitated by substantial social media influence and partnerships with prominent retailers like Summit Racing.
With doubts surrounding the extent of Speedmaster’s illicit activities beyond copying Broader Performance, customers are advised to exercise caution when purchasing automotive parts from lesser-known brands, opting to buy directly from manufacturers to ensure the authenticity of the products.
As the investigation into this counterfeit operation continues, Robarge encourages individuals with tips or similar experiences to reach out at tips@thedrive.com. The story will be updated as more information becomes available.
