Forgeline Motorsports checked-in with Dean Martin, driver of the Rehagen racing Ford Mustang Boss 302. In this candid track-side interview Martin discusses his transition to full time racing as a career, some of the challenges surrounding his rise to success, and talks wheels from a practical real-world perspective. This artfully shot video from Forgeline Motorsports gives us a glimpse into the glitz and glamour of the Pirelli World Challenge Racing GTS championship, but keeps us keenly aware of the struggles “making it” as a professional driver.

No stranger to the race track, Martin has a background in automotive engineering and a close relationship with Ford. “I’ve been racing for about 15 years now, I actually used to be a chassis development engineer at Ford Motor Company. I left Ford in 2005, and started racing full time then, and helped build Rehagen Racing.” said Martin.

Cast wheels can be an enticing alternative to forged wheels due to cost and weight, but there are always compromises in cost cutting, especially in racing. Martin recalls the harsh reality of compromising on wheels, “Mid-way through the race I tagged the wall at the apex of turn-three, and thought for sure my race was over. I was going to have a broken wheel, tire going down, but I just pressed on. Tire, wheel, everything lasted, and I went on to win the race, and I think if I’d had anything other than a Forgeline wheel on there I wouldn’t have won that race.”

Martin and Rehagen racing was poised for a 2015 championship, and after a pair of podium finishes at Mid-Ohio ended up just shy of the bronze. Martin just needs needs to keep his Boss 302 on line, and pedal down, we look forward to his future races.