FastHouse: Speed, Style and Good Times from the 805
Origins
FastHouse started from a family's love of motosports. Ernie Alexander - an off-road motorcycle racer in the 1960's - made quite the impression on his son, Kenny. In 1970, the mini Yamaha Enduro 60 dirt bike helped kickoff the motocross craze, and saw the creation of Ernie Alexander and his friend, Walt James; a motocross park and dirt bike heaven called Indian Dunes. This became Kenny's home away from home, and he soon became one of the fastest riders in the area! Due to the track's optimal location, being only 30 minutes from downtown LA and minutes from the Alexander family's home, it rapidly grew in popularity. In 1972, Ernie opened a second track at Indian Dunes for BMX riders. This monumental success led him to establish the National Bicycle Association (the first major BMX-sanctioning body in the US) to further introduce BMX to other areas.
While his dad was helping spread the love of racing, Kenny was busy becoming one of the best mini-cycle racers in Southern California. At the first ever World Mini Bike Grand Prix, he took first in the 9-11 age group and earned the American Mini-Bike Racing Associations #1 plate. Motosports can be unforgiving, and by 13 Kenny had broken so many bones his mother made him retire from racing. Rather than sit still, he took up surfing and skateboarding where he learned safer ways to land during a wreck.
“Back in those early days, they didn’t make cool vests and jerseys for us kids to wear, so my grandma sat out in her garage and stitched us some,” Kenny recalls. “The first one was tagged ‘Elrod’—that’s what my grandpa called me. My middle name is Elwyn, and he took the ‘rod’ from ‘hot rod.’ If you sported one of those [vests or jerseys], you were cool. Some had stars and stripes, others had peace signs or zodiac symbols. They were definitely a sign of the times—wild and free. For the next few years I raced everywhere—from California to Florida and even a couple of trips to Canada.” These years of experience allowed Kenny to find work as a stuntman and driver in Hollywood. He's worked on dozens of movies, including Terminator 2, The Matrix, True Lies, and The Fast and the Furious.
In 1998, Kenny and a friend put together an event they named "Day in the Dirt" and hosted it at LA County Raceway. They didn't know it, but this event would establish itself with over 1,000 attendees, including two of the current motocross rockstars; Ricky Johnson and Jeff Ward. A day of racing, camaraderie, and meeting old friends ended with 'see ya next year!' and so it began. The second year turned into a 3-day long festival, and it's been happening every year since.
These rich life experiences and memories gave Kenny the idea to get into making souvenir t-shirts, thus introducing him to the clothing business. Incorporating people and past memories, Kenny named his main apparel line Elrod Racing Style as a nod to his grandpa. The company was dubbed FastHouse, the nickname Kenny had given his grandfather's home. It had been the hub for his father and friends to meet and share stories after a long day of racing.
In the last few years, FastHouse has been growing in popularity. From humble beginnings as a souvenir t-shirt company, they're now known for lasting, stylish motocross apparel, gear, accessories, and have recently expanded into mountain bike apparel. Nearly 50 employees work at Headquarters in Santa Clarita, California, not too far off from where Indian Dunes was. Ernie, now in his mid-80's, is still a part of the company and opens the office every morning.
“The inspiration for Fasthouse is drawn from the calm confidence of our heroes and legends... the extraordinary places and great races of the past, and the knowledge that all things are possible if you believe in yourself and work hard. Fasthouse is a place to hang out and learn about the extraordinary people and places that got us here today. I want this to be a forever brand,” - Kenny Alexander
Gear
FastHouse's off-road collection provides a classic fit with breathable materials, for maximum comfort and minimal drag. They've been trusted by professionals for years, tested through harsh desert trails and gnarly rocky terrain - all while keeping a flare for style.
Jerseys are made from 100% dyed polyester, for long lasting color, and quality silk screened graphics. Crafted with a moisture-wicking finish on all materials and mesh vent paneling on sides and under sleeves, you're sure to stay cool and comfortable. A drop-tail on the back panel keeps the jersey tucked and secure, while the athletic fit prevents additional drag. Overlocked stitching gives these jerseys superior quality and longevity.
Fit, function, fashion; FastHouse Pants are durable enough for countless weekends in the desert or at the track - without losing performance. High strength Nylon thread double and triple stitched seams, 600 Denier Poly main panels, and high heat and abrasion resistant full grain leather inner knee panels help keep you safe. The zippered cargo pocket, fly overlap, and TPR thigh and knee embellishments are fashion-forward, without sacrificing performance.
Crafted with the same integrity and artistic flare, confidently represent FastHouse off the track with their Casual apparel collection. Featuring a wide variety of hats, long and short-sleeve shirts, button ups, hoodies, pants, and more there's something for everyone to love.
