GRE6, LLC is more than just a performance parts supplier—it’s a legacy built on passion, family, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in the racing world. Founded by the late Bill Gaston, our journey began in 1986 with Gaston Racing, where Bill’s love for go-karts ignited a lifelong dedication to motorsports and performance engineering.

From Humble Beginnings

Bill Gaston’s inspiration stemmed from his cousin Nelson’s hardware store, fostering a love for parts, building, and creativity from a young age. Summers were spent on the Connecticut shoreline, camping at Hammonasset and cheering at the New London Waterford Speedbowl, where Bill’s passion for racing truly took flight. With a family deeply rooted in racing—thanks to his mom’s cousin Betty and her husband, Hall of Famer Joe Csiki—Bill was immersed in the racing culture from the start.

As a youth, Bill built Pinewood Derby cars and gradually transitioned to go-kart racing. However, this transition wasn’t immediate. Bill was deeply involved in the music scene, playing piano from a very young age and performing in numerous bands along the East Coast. His musical talents flourished as he participated in high school battle of the bands and recorded albums with his bands in the 1970s and 1980s. His love for boogie-woogie, jazz, and blues not only enriched his personal life but also fueled his technical prowess in fabrication.

Balancing Passion and Family

With the birth of his daughters, Bill needed to balance his racing and creative passions with the responsibilities of providing for his family. He took on a regular job in printing—a trade he enjoyed and had considered during his high school days. Bill excelled in his printing career for over 20 years, finding satisfaction in the consistency and creativity the job offered. Despite the demands of his career, Bill’s passion for building and racing never waned. After work, he would indulge in his hobby of building and racing, maintaining a perfect balance between his professional responsibilities and personal interests.

Emily’s Early Experiences

Emily Gaston’s journey with GRE6, LLC began early. During her time working alongside her father at the print shop, Emily witnessed firsthand Bill’s innovative spirit. Emily worked at the print shop during summer breaks from high school, bringing hands-on experience and familiarity with the operations. Bill often brought her to work, and many of the ladies in quality control already knew her when she started working there in high school.

One memorable project was the creation of a racecar table—a testament to Bill’s ingenuity. This table was designed to handle large rolls of material, winding them down to smaller rolls for machine processing. Equipped with a counter and spools for the rolls, the table featured gas and brake pedals, allowing an operator to control the winding process by sitting and driving the rolls to a specified number and stopping. This fun and practical innovation exemplified Bill’s ability to blend creativity with functionality, inspiring Emily’s own approach to problem-solving and design.

Mentorship and Life Lessons

Bill Gaston was not only a passionate racer and entrepreneur but also a dedicated mentor to Emily. Unlike traditional mentorships where technical skills are directly taught, Bill believed in empowering Emily to learn independently. He often emphasized the importance of understanding why to make something rather than just how to make it. This approach encouraged Emily to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability—skills that are far more valuable and enduring than simply copying someone else’s methods.

Bill would often tell Emily to learn as much as she could and strive to be the best at her role, ensuring she would be indispensable and tough to replace—just as he had been at the print shop. On payday, Bill would take Emily out for lunch and to the savings bank, insisting she deposit all but $10 of her paycheck. He wanted her to enjoy her earnings responsibly while ensuring she saved enough to cover expenses. Bill’s advice was clear: don’t wait until you are old and broken down to have fun, but also be careful with money.

These principles guided Emily as she pursued her IT career, where she excelled as a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). She built security programs from the ground up, leveraging existing resources rather than investing in new ones. This resourcefulness and ability to optimize what was already in place were directly influenced by Bill’s teachings. Emily’s approach to problem-solving and innovation has been instrumental in her leadership at GRE6, LLC, ensuring the company remains adaptive and customer-focused.

Building a Legacy

From 1986 to 1991, Gaston Racing specialized in go-kart parts. By 1991, the business evolved into Gaston Racing Enterprises, expanding into performance parts for racecars, hot rods, and off-road vehicles. This period also saw the launch of our website, [gre6.com](https://gre6.com), marking our commitment to reaching a broader audience.

Expanding Our Reach

In 2006, inspired by a friend’s suggestion, Bill and Emily expanded into on-site parts sales at local speedways, beginning with a box truck at the New London Waterford Speedbowl. This move allowed us to serve racing clubs more effectively, leading to the acquisition of a second truck and partnerships with additional speedways. Over the years, we extended our on-site sales to two speedways and became an official remote parts supplier for one, further solidifying our presence in the racing community.

Establishing Our Home Base

In 2008, recognizing the need for a dedicated space to house our box trucks, parts, and equipment, we established our brick-and-mortar store and ever-evolving fabrication shop. This facility became the heart of our operations, allowing us to expand our services and better serve our customers.

Originally located at 77 Woodland St, Manchester, we operated in a shared park alongside other businesses. While this location provided initial growth opportunities, it also presented challenges such as a steep hill that made loading and unloading equipment difficult, and high lease costs after eight years.

In the fall of 2016, we made a strategic move to our current location at 96 Burnham St, South Windsor. This new space is right off the highway, offering much easier access for customers coming from various locations. Additionally, the overhead garage door is level, accommodating more vehicles and trailers with ease—eliminating the loading/unloading challenges we faced in Manchester.

The move not only saved us significantly on lease costs but also allowed us to gain new customers due to the increased accessibility and convenience of our new location. This relocation marked a significant milestone in our growth, enabling us to serve our community more effectively while maintaining our commitment to quality and customization.

Passing the Torch

In 2016, following the passing of Bill’s mother, Bill transitioned the business into GRE6, LLC to secure its future and legacy. Under this new structure, GRE6 continued to thrive, maintaining on-site sales at two speedways and operating our local brick-and-mortar store equipped with a comprehensive fabrication shop. Our shop enables us to offer custom solutions that large retailers simply can’t match, ensuring our customers receive high-quality, reliable parts tailored to their specific needs.

A New Chapter

In 2022, the racing community bid farewell to Bill Gaston. His unwavering commitment to safety and quality left an indelible mark on GRE6, LLC. The business was entrusted to Emily Gaston, who has since infused it with modern technology and innovative practices. Emily’s expertise in drafting, CAD design, and IT has helped continue the family legacy through strong relationships within the racing community and her ongoing mentorship of hobby racers.

Embracing Technology and Social Media

Since taking over, Emily has significantly increased GRE6’s presence on social media, overcoming Bill’s initial skepticism about its negativity. This shift has allowed GRE6 to connect with a broader audience, engage with customers more effectively, and showcase our unique products and services to racing enthusiasts far beyond our traditional markets.

Adapting to New Roles

While Emily had not engaged in hands-on fabrication skills for many years, she has been deeply involved in hands-on tech with computers and coding. Following Bill’s passing, she seamlessly transitioned to take on many of his fabrication projects with the support of previous staff members. Emily updated designs to better align with customer requests, ensuring that GRE6 continues to meet the evolving needs of our community. Her ability to blend technical precision with customer-centric innovation has been instrumental in maintaining the high standards set by Bill.

Integrating Technology into the Business

The gre6.com website was created and is managed by Emily Gaston, marking the beginning of integrating advanced technology into the business. This initiative not only modernized our online presence but also sparked the creation of Design-ITS.com. Bill was inspired by the success of gre6.com to launch Design-ITS.com, selling the website creation idea to his friends and having Emily create websites alongside him for others. Through this collaboration, Bill delved into frontend development, developing a love for a specific font and clipart image that remain integral to our brand identity today.

Design-ITS.com and other IT-focused ventures fall under GastonMedia, LLC, a separate entity providing comprehensive IT and consulting services. This structure allows GRE6, LLC to remain focused on its core operations of racing, performance parts, and off-road customization, while GastonMedia supports us with technology and website management.

Fun Stories

Behind every successful business are the stories that make it unique. Bill was not only a passionate racer and entrepreneur but also a source of endless fun and creativity. Here’s one cherished memory:

– Todd Clark’s Unique #00 Modified: Bill had a huge smile and an infectious laugh when driving long-time friend Todd Clark’s unique purple #00 modified car at Thompson.

A Hidden Talent: Music

1966 The Strangers Four

A lot of folks in the racing community may not know this, but Bill was a musician at heart. He played piano from a very young age, arranging music and showcasing his talent in numerous bands along the East Coast. In high school, he participated in battle of the bands and performed in the Poconos, even recording albums with some of these bands—a significant achievement in the 1970s and 1980s. His love for boogie-woogie, jazz, and blues not only enriched his personal life but also fueled his technical prowess in fabrication.

Emily inherited this musical passion, having received piano lessons from her father starting at age three. Her early music education enhanced her abilities in science, math, and understanding mechanical systems, shaping her into the innovative leader she is today.

Balancing Community and Compassion

Beyond his professional and creative endeavors, Bill was a compassionate individual who believed in helping others. He once assisted a man living in a tent by securing him a job at his printing workplace. Bill drove him to and from work and supported him in obtaining an apartment. Their friendship endured until Bill’s passing, exemplifying his dedication to uplifting those around him.

Our Mission

At GRE6, LLC, our mission is to empower budget racers, hobbyists, and enthusiasts who seek to compete and enjoy their passion without breaking the bank. We provide high-quality, affordable performance parts that are safe, reliable, and customizable. Our commitment extends beyond products—we mentor and teach, fostering a community where skills are honed, friendships are forged, and everyone can enjoy the thrill of racing.

Our Values

Family-Oriented: Rooted in family values, we treat our customers like extended family.
Quality & Safety: We prioritize safety and quality in every product we offer.
Community & Mentorship: We invest in our community by mentoring young enthusiasts and supporting local racers.
Empowerment: We empower our customers to build, customize, and excel on their own terms.
Integrity: We uphold honesty and transparency in all our dealings.

Why Choose GRE6, LLC?

Unlike large retailers, GRE6 offers a personalized experience that prioritizes your unique needs.

Here’s what sets us apart:

Immediate Availability: With a local store and on-site parts trucks, you can get the parts you need without long waits.

Customization Expertise: Our in-house fabrication shop can create or modify parts to fit your specific requirements.
Personal Relationships: We know our customers by name and are committed to your success on and off the track.
Affordability Without Compromise: High-quality parts at prices that keep you racing without financial strain.
Community Support: From contingency sponsorships to donation of parts, we’re invested in your racing journey.

The Heart of Our Business

The relationships with vendors and racers are the heart of our business. We know the names of the people who make the parts and the names of the racers that use them. We can modify parts, request modifications from vendors, and unlike drop-shipping or online catalog stores, our business is much more like farm-to-table—fab-to-car. There are real people that we work with for every aspect of our business. Our customers are supporting many small businesses when they buy from us instead of Amazon or large faceless retailers. Additionally, there are opportunities for earning sponsorships and scholarships. Large box stores do not give back and support the little guy or hobby racer without strings attached.

Looking Ahead

In the next 5-10 years, GRE6, LLC aims to continue its tradition of mentoring young racers and enthusiasts, fostering a new generation of skilled builders and competitive drivers. We envision expanding our reach, both geographically and within the racing community, while maintaining the core values that have defined us since 1986. Our goal is to support self-taught builders who value customization and personal achievement over mass-produced, cookie-cutter solutions.

Meet the Team

Bill Gaston – Founder
Bill Gaston laid the foundation of GRE6, LLC with his passion for racing, innovation, and community. His legacy continues to inspire and drive the company forward.

Emily Gaston – Owner
Emily brings a modern touch to GRE6, LLC, blending traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. Her background in drafting and CAD design ensures every part is precise and reliable. Driven by a deep love for racing and a commitment to her father’s legacy, Emily is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of racers and builders.

Our Team Members
Over the years, GRE6 has been home to numerous skilled fabricators and passionate racers. Our team is a blend of seasoned experts and enthusiastic newcomers, all united by a love for motorsports and a commitment to quality and safety. Many of our team members are extended family who have been involved since 1986, while others are newer additions, all part of the GRE6 family. We prefer to keep their names off the “About Us” page at this time, though we may highlight team members in the future as they prefer.

Get Involved

Join us at local speedways, participate in our workshops, or become part of the GRE6 family today. Whether you need parts, advice, or just a friendly face to share your racing stories, GRE6, LLC is here for you.

We offer:

• Free Water or Coffee: Enjoy complimentary refreshments when you visit our store.
• No-Purchase Visits:  We love when people stop by to talk, even without making a purchase.
• Events & Workshops: We host events and skills workshops, providing hands-on training and fostering a sense of community.
• Flexible Hours: Our hours are flexible, and we are available during the week and always on call. Many times, you can find us in the shop working after dinner. If you are a night owl, don’t be afraid to give us a call and see what we are up to.
• Support & Assistance: We are happy to help with the fitment of a part, answer questions, or visit a customer’s shop to provide support.

Contact Us

Store Location: 96 Burnham St, South Windsor, CT
Phone: +1-860-646-1166
Email: sales@gre6.com
Website: gre6.com

Join Our Family

Whether you’re a seasoned racer or just starting out, GRE6, LLC is here to support your passion. Visit our store, connect with us at the speedway, or explore our extensive online catalog at https://gre6.com Let’s build, race, and succeed together.

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Our Community Impact

Mentorship & Education
We believe in the power of mentorship and education. GRE6, LLC actively mentors young racers and enthusiasts, teaching them the skills needed to build and customize their own vehicles. We offer scholarships to students pursuing trade schools and cybersecurity, ensuring that the next generation has the resources to succeed both on and off the track.

Sponsorships & Scholarships
We offer sponsorships to up-and-coming young racers and scholarships to students entering trade schools. Our goal is to support individuals who are passionate about racing and skilled trades, helping them achieve their dreams without financial barriers.

Community Events & Workshops
Our store frequently hosts events where retired professionals share their knowledge and experiences. These workshops provide valuable hands-on training and foster a sense of community among racers of all ages. Whether it’s a skills workshop or a casual storytelling session, these events strengthen our bonds within the racing community.

Customer Commitment

At GRE6, LLC, we prioritize our customers’ satisfaction and success. From inspecting parts before they reach you to offering generous exchange policies, we ensure that you receive only the best products. Our long-standing customers, some dating back to 1986, continue to trust us for their racing needs because we stand by our commitment to quality, customization, and personal service.

Resilience and Adaptation

The passing of Bill Gaston in 2022 marked a challenging period for GRE6, LLC. Despite facing significant financial and operational hurdles, Emily Gaston has steadfastly worked to preserve and grow the business. By scaling back on certain operations, investing in technology, and seeking mentorship, Emily has navigated through adversity while maintaining the company’s core values and commitment to customers