07/21/2026
We experienced a special milestone, as Ross Hulleman achieved his 10-year anniversary at Viking Performance. We are absolutely honored to have such an incredible employee. Ross, first and foremost, is someone we consider a great friend. In regards to an employee, this post will never come close to describe just how valued Ross truly is. Ross can do it all. He is an excellent shock builder. As we have said over and over again, we have the best shock builders in the world. We do not say that lightly, and Ross is a huge part of that. However, it does not end there. Ross now spends significant time in the office helping Viking provide the best customer/technical support in the industry. Also, if you happen to show up at SEMA, PRI, or other trade shows Viking is displaying at, you will likely find Ross working the booth. If we need help prepping a car for a race, Ross will be turning wrenches to ensure we make the event. If we need someone to attend a race to provide trackside assistance, Ross is at the race working to make us faster (in one of the pictures, you can only see Ross’ legs under the ’71 Camaro on the top level of the Westgate ramp in Las Vegas making a rear gear change). If we need a car hauled from MN to AZ in order to make an event? Ross is in the truck for a 24-hour drive. If a customer needs a shock rebuilt on a weekend… there is Ross, making a special trip back to Viking in order to repair the shock. If we need help final packing shocks? There is Ross packing shocks (while setting records times, I might add). Ross is certainly a special talent with a great attitude.
Now, his picky eating habits were another story. We worked hard to broaden his horizons over many trips throughout the years. I believe we did get him to now enjoy a good steak, and even got him to experience food at restaurants such as Mr. Chows and Mizumi. We haven’t succeeded in getting him to eat sushi yet, and he still prefers a Mich Golden Light over a nice glass of Cakebread Cabernet, so we still have some things to accomplish. However, we would be the first to enter him in a buffalo wing eating contest. At the Optima World Championship Autocross / Optima Street Car Invitational at the Circuit of the Americas, while out to eat one evening, Ross ordered the hottest wings on the menu. The server delivered them wearing gloves. We asked what was up with the gloves, and the server said he barely tried the sauce once, causing him to throw up and cry (although he claimed that he loved the hottest sauces, but this was “another level”), so he wanted to make sure he did not get anything on his hands. My nose felt like it was going to bleed sitting across the table, and yet Ross ate all the wings and licked his fingers clean without issue. Thus, I suppose we should not give him a hard time about being scared of salmon nigiri when I would likely die eating those wings.
Ross, congratulations on the 10 years! And even though you heard us say it over and over again, THANK YOU for all that you do! Viking would not be the same without you.
