Noch ein Tag bis zum offiziellen Speed Kings Release - auf der "Die Gestalten" Website gibt es seit gestern Abend auf der Startseite einen Teaser zum Buch mit einem kleinen Interview.

Speed Kings
It's a Satanic drag thing you wouldn't understand!
It's not what you think it is. It's pure power, adrenaline, danger, suspense, Pin-Ups, passion and soul. Call it Rock'n'Roll. Die Gestalten proudly present Speed Kings, the hottest publication this summer is likely to see. Speed Kings presents photographs by Dirk Behlau that show the wonderful world of Drag racing.

Dirk Behlaus photographs skillfully capture the primordial displays of power and high-tech, the eroticicsm of machines and the open flirtation with destruction and putting your life in danger.

It was certainly not Jesus who built these Hotrods but dedicated people who create, drive and admire their time bombs like no-one else. Drag racing's individual brand of aesthetics fascinates an ever-growing community of fans all around the world. Drag racing is down-to-earth as well as accessible and affordable. Like we said, it's Rock'n'Roll.

Dirk Behlau has not only landed himself a book signing at a shop in Cologne on 30th of August but also answered a few fast questions concerning the book.

Aren't there already enough books about cars?
Well, it's not mainly a book about cars. It's a book about a special lifestyle. And of course there are old-school Hot Rods, Pin-Ups in it. There are some books about the Hot Rod & Drag Racing culture out there but I have a complete different view on the scenes. It's all about style and emotions.

Are there any Don't-Do-It's if one participates in a drag race?
Sure...tons of it. Far too much to list. But surely you have to know your car and yourself very well. It's a very special world you can't explain to people who have never been to a real drag race. You have to feel it.

What has been the most exciting event you ever went to?
Well, Mopars at the Strip in Las Vegas was very cool but also this year's Kustom Kulture Bottrop with tons of cool old-school Hot Rods, Kustom Kars and great artists was wonderful as well. I was very proud to be invited as an artist to the show.

What do you like most about the races?
The whole experience. I am part of it. I am not a guy who comes to an event, taking some pictures and go home again. A lot of the racers, Hot Rodders and girls became very good friends through the years. It's like a big family. I'm not looking inside the scene from the outside. When it comes to the race it's just unbelievable to see smoky burnouts, hear the unleashed powers from thousands of horsepowers and feel the earth shaking like hell.

What's first: the woman or the car?
Girls and cars fits together in harmony... a nice car looks even nicer with a real beauty. Hot Rods & Pin-Ups are the perfect combination.

What makes a car a cool car?
It should have a soul, it should be unique. My definition of cool is: Don't followother's ideas - make your own stuff, just be yourself.

When did you first fall in love with the subject?
I started my own magazine "Speed Brygade" in 2005 - a digital magazine with the "best-of-pixeleye" photos from the season which was a big success. So it was just a normal conclusion to think about a printed issue in the future. The idea was born in winter 2005 and then the project went its way. I am very happy that my book is published through Die Gestalten Verlag because it is my favourite publisher since years.

Speed Kings will be released August 16th