Meet the Mad Scientist: The Story Behind Nathan Hale and His One-of-a-Kind Hot Rods

Introducing our latest collection, The Mad Scientist, inspired by the man who lives life with a wrench in one hand and a wild idea in the other—Nathan Hale, the renegade behind Hale’s Speed Shop. From a motocross maniac to a hot rod outlaw, Nathan's story is about taking risks, breaking rules, and building some of the meanest machines on the road. Here’s the raw, unfiltered truth about what drives the "Mad Scientist" and how it’s fueling our newest flannel drop.

Straight Outta Frankenstein: How "The Mad Scientist" Was Born

The nickname "Mad Scientist" didn't come from some polite compliment. It was sparked during the first startup of a custom build that rumbled like a beast waking up from hibernation. Colin, Nathan's longtime friend and partial owner of Hale's Speed Shop Clothing, watched as the engine roared to life in a spectacle of fire, smoke, and pure chaos. It was like Dr. Frankenstein screaming, "It's alive!" as his monster took its first breath. That moment summed up everything Nathan's about: pushing the limits and bringing creations to life that defy expectations. From then on, "The Mad Scientist" stuck, and it’s become the perfect label for the man who doesn’t just build cars—he brings them to life.

From Motocross Tracks to Hot Rod Havoc

Nathan Hale wasn’t born with a silver wrench in his hand. He cut his teeth on the motocross tracks, mastering suspension dynamics and high-speed maneuvers. When he switched gears to hot rods, he didn’t just tinker around—he brought his dirt bike mentality and made these cars snarl and spit like nothing else on the road. He doesn't do things halfway. If he’s gonna build a ride, it’s gonna look mean, run hard, and be the kind of machine that makes you feel alive just standing next to it.

No Fame, No Frills—Just Pure Passion

Don’t expect to see Nathan plastered all over TV screens or social media feeds. He’s not about that life. The shop is tucked away in Lewisville, Texas, hidden like a speakeasy for car junkies. No sign, no employees, no distractions—just raw, unfiltered craft. It’s a place where the cars are built to get dirty, not to sit on some red carpet. If you’re lucky enough to own one of his rides, know it’s meant to rip up the road, not gather dust in a showroom.

The Mad Scientist's Process: Ripping Up the Rulebook

Nathan’s way of building hot rods is about as unconventional as it gets. Every project starts from the ground up—literally. Custom chassis setups, scratch-built suspension geometry, handcrafted air ride systems—every element is done his way, with only the turbocharged LS engines brought in from the outside. He doesn’t give a damn about winning awards; he’s here to make rides that look like they just rolled out of your wildest dreams and onto the asphalt to raise hell.

His style has created a cult following, with some customers tracking him down for years to get on his waitlist. If you want a Nathan Hale original, you’re gonna have to earn it. But once you’re in, you’re in for life, because every ride he builds is a statement—bold, unapologetic, and totally one-of-a-kind.

The Mad Scientist Collection: Built for the Brave

The Mad Scientist collection isn’t for the faint of heart. Inspired by Nathan’s fearless approach to life and hot rodding, these flannels are as rugged as the rides he builds. Designed to stand out, not blend in, they’re a nod to the rebels who refuse to play by the rules. Influenced by the grit of classic hot rod culture and the rebellious spirit of today’s innovators, these flannels are for those who know that life’s too short to drive stock.

Why "The Mad Scientist" Isn’t Just a Name—It’s a Way of Life

Being called "The Mad Scientist" is about more than turning wrenches. It’s about not giving a damn what the world thinks, evolving on your own terms, and never settling for less. Nathan’s story isn’t just about cars—it’s about flipping the script and living life wide open, inspiring others to do the same. It’s a reminder that you don’t have to be understood to be respected; sometimes, it’s enough just to make some noise and let the world catch up.

Mark your calendars for 10.31.24 and get ready to unleash your inner mad scientist. The Mad Scientist collection is dropping, and it’s built for the bold, the daring, and anyone who lives life with the pedal down. These flannels are for the ones who don’t just follow the road—they make their own.