Godspeed Ron Preston

Last Friday, I received a call from Nancy Preston, the wife of customer Ron Preston. Ron has had a huge presence in the FFR community, helping many build their cars and providing great feedback on The Factory Five Forum over the years. Nancy kindly asked if I could spare a moment to speak with Ron… I was deeply touched by the request. It turns out, Ron had kept his battle with stage 4 cancer private from everyone. Despite his circumstances, Ron and I laughed it up remembering good Factory Five stories and mutual friends. Ron let me know that he was in hospice and wasn’t going to make it long. He wanted to thank me for the cars, community, and adventures he had enjoyed for more than a decade. He told me that FFR was such a big part of his life. What an honor it is to run a company that makes such a difference in the lives of others. I ended the call humbled and in tears knowing this good man was facing the end of his road.

Ron helped many people build their cars, and was a skilled mechanic and lifelong Ford lover. He passed away on Tuesday morning.

Ron with Factory Five customers Jim K., Tino, and Joe M.

Ron Preston reminds me that the “stuff” only matters when it brings us together with the ones we love. How lucky am I to run a company that understands we build far more than cars. What an honor to know Ron and offer my condolences on behalf of everyone at Factory Five Racing.  

Godspeed my friend.

Nancy has informed us that the funeral will be held on Monday, March 25th, from 10 am to 12 pm at Candle Light Funeral Home in Catonsville, MD. If you wish to honor Ron’s memory, Nancy kindly asks for donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in lieu of flowers.

Candle Light Funeral Home
1835 Frederick Rd.
Catonsville, Maryland

Click here for full service details.

Latest Factory Five News

Factory Fives Take 1st & 2nd at Chicago World of Wheels!

Factory Five customers Jason H. and Pat S. were awarded 1st and 2nd Place at the World of Wheels Chicago event this year! Jason shared the news on the Cobra Owners of Illinois (COIL) Facebook group page saying, “Great day for the club!” Jason was also presented another award in addition to earning 1st Place with his Mk4 Roadster. “So something crazy happened last night. I didn’t even go to the award ceremony because it’s really when you look around and think it’s not a competition with some of these other guys,” wrote Jason. “But last night they awarded me… Read More »

Read More

Chris H. Scores Top 3 Finish at Sick Week!

“A little over ten years ago I watched the Factory Five Racing delivery truck pull into my driveway. At that time I never would have imagined the impact a single car would have on my life” – Chris Hein. Chris Hein attended the 2026 Sick Week event, and earned a Top 3 finish with his storied Factory Five ’33 Hot Rod drag car! Chris’ Hot Rod is powered by a 388 twin turbo LS with a T-56 6-speed manual transmission. His best pass at Sick Week was a 8.58 with an average of 8.82 resulting in a third place finish… Read More »

Read More

2026 Kick-Off Sale!

2026 is off to a great start, and the team wants to keep the momentum going! They have put together a sale for all of our kits to help you build your car your way this year. Score a Free IRS Upgrade OR Save $2,026 Off Options on Mk5 Roadsters, Mk4 Roadsters, Type 65 Coupe, and ’33 Hot Rod To ensure your finest ride is possible, we are offering FREE IRS Upgrades (up to $3,199 in value). Our Independent Rear Suspension is the best suspension configuration Factory Five has to offer. This upgrade package includes: OR you can save $2,026… Read More »

Read More
Top