Meet Our Team
ROBERT SWARTZ
NYC to Redondo Beach Rider, Owner Energica of New England & CAAC Event Founder
Opening in 2004, Rob’s Dyno Service has grown to become New England’s premier motorcycle tuning facility for any internal combustion, electric or high-performance motorcycle. Clients call Rob the “Motorcycle Marriage Counselor” since he hears; “You made me fall in love with my bike all over again” so often. Rob opened Energica of New England electric motorcycles in 2020 and will pilot a 2022 Energica ESSE-ESSE9 on the Westward route of the Challenge.
Steven Day
Redondo Beach to NYC Rider
Steven is a cross-country electric motorcycle record holder, riding from Florida to San Diego in 93 hours, the first sub-100 hour record on a zero emission bike. Steven will ride his 2021 Energica Eva Ribelle on the Eastward route of the Challenge. (Note: The original Cannonball route is more than 500 miles longer than Steven’s Florida to California record run in 2021.)
robert duffy
E. Coast Videographer
Robert’s career is devoted to making societal commentary through sight, sound and “visual massage.” As a White House Advance Consultant and videographer, he produced national conventions, televised debates and Presidential Inaugurations before opening Duffy Digital, an award-winning production company producing cause-related TV/Radio commercials, music videos and documentaries. A native New Englander and Harvard grad, Robert created a Massachusetts based non-profit foundation to promote student achievement, Reading Matters Inc., in 2001.
Nick van der Vegt
W. Coast Videographer
Nick started his film career at age thirteen filming skateboarding videos; eventually transitioning into fashion editorials, action sports content, and documentaries for professional athletes and lifestyle brands. Known for a hands-on approach and innovative filming & editing techniques to bring his client’s ideas to life, he has played a role in all aspects of film production including cinematographer, director, and editor. His resume includes feature-film like stories and promotional media for Honda, Yamaha, Dillard’s, Red Bull, and other leading brands.
Kevin Nixon
Team East Director
A retired motorcycle industry marketing professional, Kevin Nixon has been fortunate enough to chase his front wheel all over the world while “working.” Long-time friends, he and Rob Swartz have collaborated on a variety of successful endeavors. One of Kevin’s many vintage-racing motorcycles has the dubious honor of generating the “lowest horsepower number ever recorded” at Rob’s Dyno Service. Kevin joins CAAC as the Team East Director, coordinating logistics and support for Rob and the East Coast video team. Kevin’s “post CAAC” goal is finding America’s best BBQ on the slower and more relaxed return trip home.
chip steward
Team West Director
Chip is a true lover of all things mechanical, whether it rolls on 2, 3 or 4-wheels. A talented motorcycle and car restorer with a lifetime involvement in motorsports, he has worked with Swartz at Rob’s Dyno Service for longer than he’d like to recall. “As a youngster, I was enthralled by my Uncle’s tall tales as the driver for the press corps following the original Cannonball Run. “It’s been my dream to run the original route since I first saw the movie. I now have the time, tools, and perfect chase rig to cross this off my bucket list,” said Steward.
eric studer
Event Organizer, Marketing & PR
Eric’s marketing career is focused on building segment leading brands like Holiday Inn, Red Roof Inn, Hilton International and 10-time motorcycle land speed racer Valerie Thompson - “America’s Queen of Speed.” Leading the Motel 6 “We’ll Leave the Light on For You” campaign featuring Tom Bodett, he earned the coveted Ad Age Magazine “Top 100 Campaigns in 100 Years” award. His expertise in celebrity endorsements includes promotions featuring “Jungle” Jack Hanna, Mutual of Omaha’s Jim Fowler, Gregg Allman, John Goodman and others.