With engines revving, tires changing in a blur, and excitement buzzing through the crowd, the energy was palpable. Even a light sprinkle that lingered throughout the day couldn’t dampen spirits or slow down the action.

Spectators were treated to a diverse lineup of makes and models, including a standout build—Chris Leonard’s rear-wheel-drive-converted Ford Fusion. Among the Top 8 was Dylan Schaefer, who put on a show in his drift-built 350Z, carving through the course with precision and flair. His run through the twists and turns of the track left a lasting impression.

The crowd lined the streets, eagerly awaiting each new matchup, holding their breath in anticipation of what would come next. Drifting is beautifully unpredictable, and these drivers embraced that spirit, delivering thrilling runs all day long. We witnessed incredible skill as chase cars hugged their leads with mere inches to spare. There were a few spin-outs, and one racer even lost their front bumper—but that only added to the intensity.

Everyone in attendance walked away with memories of an unforgettable day. It was a true testament to the power of chasing dreams: when you put in the work and stay the course, it’s only a matter of time before those dreams come to life.

HDAY Spring 2025 at Maryland International Raceway was a thrilling 3-day event held from April 11 to 13 in Mechanicsville, MD. This family-friendly gathering celebrated Honda and Acura enthusiasts with a mix of activities suitable for all ages.​

Event Highlights:

• Drag Racing: Participants raced in various classes, including SFWD, All-Motor, AWD, and bracket categories. Racers tested their skills on Friday, followed by qualifying rounds on Saturday and eliminations on Sunday. ​

• Car Show: The car show featured a non-judged meet on Friday, a Top 100 showcase and Low Car Limbo on Saturday, and a fully-judged competition with over 30 categories on Sunday. ​

• Giveaway Cars: Attendees had the chance to win built Honda or Acura vehicles through random drawings held on Saturday and Sunday. ​

• Lifestyle Stage: The event included a Lifestyle Stage with DJs and giveaways, creating a vibrant atmosphere throughout the weekend. ​

With free parking and children under 12 admitted for free, HDAY Spring 2025 offered a welcoming environment for families and car enthusiasts alike.

Slammedenuff NC, was the perfect way to kick off the Easter weekend. Two large rooms full of custom vehicles from all over the East Coast were on display for the many spectators in attendance to view. This was one event that many builders had been preparing for. Several had done full revamps to their cars over the winter and were waiting specifically for this event to let them be seen. Some of them were color changes, new wheels, new interiors, performance upgrades, and some touched on a bit of everything. Drew Jackson from Chozen Car Club was one of the many who premiered their latest vision for their vehicle. He put in a lot of work this winter into his Mustang and it definitely paid off for him, taking home 1st Place Ford, Best Engine Bay, Best Air Setup, and Best of Show! You had many others in attendance with stories of their own, including a father/son duo who both placed with their vehicles; although the son's vehicle has special meaning behind it as it was purchased by his father back in the 80s. The car has gone through every type of trend and style from show car to race car to now a lowrider. So not only was it a great event for Slammedenuff and its spectators but also for the friends and family members participating, creating those bonds and memories that will last a lifetime.

Photography and article by

The Super Lap Battle held at Circuit of The Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas, on April 12–13, 2025, delivered a weekend of high-intensity time attack racing, marked by standout performances and unexpected incidents.​

A significant highlight was Jenson Little's achievement in his Norma M30 prototype, clocking a lap time of 1:58.68. This performance not only secured him the overall victory but also improved upon his previous year's time by nearly five seconds .​

In the Unlimited Class, Cole Powelson, driving the Lyfe Motorsports Nissan GT-R, set a new record with a lap time of 2:02.538, surpassing the previous benchmark set by Feras Qartoumy's twin-turbo C6 Corvette .​

The event wasn't without its challenges. A notable incident involved a vehicle's rear wing detaching during a session, leading to a loss of control and a subsequent crash. Additionally, there were multiple on-track accidents that prompted temporary halts in the competition.​

Beyond the races, attendees experienced a range of activities, including the DRE Supercar Sessions, the Just Vibes Car Show, and the Petrol Lounge Invitational, offering a comprehensive motorsport experience .​

Overall, the Super Lap Battle at COTA showcased the dedication and skill of drivers and teams, delivering memorable moments for all involved.​

Photography by Chris Gosda ()

Team Tensei Spring Showcase was back for a 4th year at LP Frans Stadium bringing some of the highest quality builds around. As with 2023, the threat of rain came through but that didn’t scare away the hundreds of cars and people that showed up to enjoy the event. Inside the stadium you could find a variety of high quality cars from slammed NSX's, a McLaren and Lamborghini, a handful of Pandem and Liberty Walk cars, a few track cars including CeeVan's R32 that set the US R32 RB Horsepower Record at GTR Fest.

Outside of the stadium you had vendors, food trucks, a DJ spinning tracks all day, a lineup of old school JDM RHD cars and late model import tuners, lifted and lowered trucks, rat rods, motorcycles, and of course the low car limbo which had plenty of participants. Each year this show continues to grow to where they have basically outgrown the venue; so we shall see what Team Tensei has planned for the future of the Spring Showcase as they try to keep it local in their backyard to bring in locals to see the car scene plus also contribute to their area economically.

Photography by Logan Irwin (@lcivisuals)

LowChella 2025 rolled into Oklahoma City this past weekend, transforming The Parlor into a celebration of car culture, community, and unexpected weather. Despite the drizzle, the energy never dipped, in fact, the light rain added a cinematic edge that elevated the entire experience.

From VIP builds to slammed imports, the curated lineup of vehicles brought serious style, parked against the slick, reflective streets of downtown OKC. Rather than running for cover, attendees leaned into the moment, umbrellas up, cameras out, and conversations flowing about fitment, finish, and everything in between.

The vendor village stayed busy, with local brands serving up everything from apparel to auto detailing gear. Music filled the air, echoing between buildings and adding to the lowkey, high-energy vibe. The rain didn’t divide the crowd, it brought them closer. People connected over shared passion, not just for cars, but for the culture that surrounds them.

LowChella proved that the Oklahoma car scene is about more than just show cars, it’s about showing up. Rain or shine, the community brought the heat, creating an unforgettable atmosphere where good vibes reigned and wet pavement made the builds shine just a little bit brighter.

The weather couldn't have been better—perfect Florida sunshine, light breeze, and the kind of energy you only get when thousands of passionate car lovers come together. The atmosphere was electric from the moment the gates opened. One of the best parts of the day was reconnecting with friends I don’t get to see often. I caught up with the Drift HQ crew, Collete Davis, Chelsea DeNofa, Jonathan Nerren, and so many other familiar faces from the scene. It’s always cool seeing how much the community continues to grow while still keeping that tight-knit family feeling.

The Cars
If you’re a car fan, FuelFest was heaven on Earth. From muscle to imports, exotics to restomods, the diversity was wild. One car that seriously caught my eye was a 4th-gen turbocharged Honda Prelude—super rare to see at events like this, and it was built to impress. The attention to detail and uniqueness of the build stood out in a sea of incredible rides. Of course, the drift zone was hot all day long, with non-stop action and tire smoke filling the air. Watching pro drivers rip it alongside wild builds made for one of the most exciting parts of the show.

Chatting with Cody Walker
I had the chance to catch up with Cody Walker inside one of the event's interior buildings, where we discussed the unique vibe of FuelFest and how it celebrates all facets of car culture. Cody shared his thoughts on how FuelFest is more than just a car show—it’s a community-driven event that continues Paul Walker’s legacy through Reach Out Worldwide. The impact of the festival goes beyond the cars, blending passion, purpose, and people. For a deeper dive into Cody’s thoughts on FuelFest, Paul’s legacy, and more, check out our full interview at the end of this post.

Live Entertainment
The Festival Stage, hosted by DJ Kid Karter, was bumping all day. I caught some great performances, including sets by Ocelot, Nick Hogan, and Mayday, plus contests like the Marines Pull-Up Challenge and the announcement of the People’s Choice Paddock winners. The energy was nonstop, and there was something for everyone.

Wrapping It Up
FuelFest West Palm Beach was everything you could ask for in a car show and then some. Between the cars, the culture, and the cause, this event continues to raise the bar. If you’ve never been to a FuelFest, you’re missing out. Whether you're in it for the builds, the drifting, the music, or the people—there’s no place quite like it. And hey, rumor has it, they’re eyeing Canada next. Fingers crossed!

FuelFest with Cody Walker: Celebrating Car Culture and Continuing a Legacy
We caught up with Cody Walker at FuelFest West Palm Beach, where car culture, community, and the legacy of his late brother, Paul Walker, continue to thrive. As co-founder of FuelFest, Cody shared his thoughts on the festival’s growth, the diversity it celebrates, and the enduring impact of Paul’s legacy through both the event and the nonprofit Reach Out Worldwide (ROWW).

FuelFest has become a massive event. What do you think contributes to its ongoing success?
Cody Walker: FuelFest stands out because we celebrate all aspects of car culture. Whether it's muscle, imports, or exotics, we invite everyone. Our connection to Fast & Furious also plays a big role—those films were successful because of their diversity, and we bring that same spirit to FuelFest.

What’s the biggest trend in the automotive scene you’ve noticed?
Cody Walker: The diversity itself is the biggest trend. Drifting, in particular, is a huge part of it. It’s not just about the cars but also the creativity behind them. You’ll see everything from Ferraris to 240s, all with unique builds and personalities.

What’s the sickest or rarest car you’ve seen at FuelFest?
Cody Walker: I love the oddball cars. It’s cool seeing rare builds, but I’m drawn to the ones regular people can afford and modify—those are the true gems of the car community.

FuelFest supports Reach Out Worldwide. What does it mean to you to carry on Paul’s legacy through these efforts?
Cody Walker: It means everything. Reach Out Worldwide (ROWW) is a piece of Paul that he left behind. He was the heart and soul of that organization—he funded it himself. I’m so thankful to the car community, especially the grassroots donors. I bet a lot of people at this very show have contributed in some way. FuelFest helps keep that mission going. A portion of proceeds from every show goes back to ROWW, and so far, we’ve raised over $600,000. It started as a simple idea, and now here we are—our fourth year in West Palm Beach.

Are there any current or upcoming projects for ROWW?
Cody Walker: ROWW is always busy. Right now, we have efforts going in Tennessee, Kentucky, and California—from hurricane relief to wildfire recovery. In California, we’ve even repurposed an old Bed Bath & Beyond building as a distribution center for supplies—furniture, care kits, you name it. We're mucking out homes, delivering aid, and staying true to the core mission. FuelFest just helps keep that momentum alive.

Is there something about Paul that people might not know, but you wish they did?
Cody Walker: You know, I think people do know, and that’s the best part. He was just a normal guy. If you didn’t recognize him, you wouldn’t know he was a celebrity. He didn’t care about fame. He wanted to surf, drive cool cars, and enjoy life. He had a big heart and was a positive influence—not just on me but on so many people. I meet fans at these events who tell me Paul inspired them or changed their lives, and I always respond, “Me too.”

Do you have a favorite memory with Paul that’s automotive-related?
Cody Walker: Absolutely. I like to share this one: I was about 13—before I could drive—and Paul had just picked up an R34 Skyline GT-R in Bayside Blue. This was before people in the U.S. really knew what that car was. I remember riding shotgun with him, and guys were literally hanging out of their cars to get a glimpse of it. I told him, “Dude, they recognize you!” And he goes, “It’s the car, bro. You don’t understand yet, but it’s the car.” That stuck with me. And now, looking back, that car’s become such an icon.

Where do you see FuelFest going in the next five years? Any plans for Canada?
Cody Walker: Yes! We definitely want to go to Canada. We’ve been talking to people there—we haven’t locked in a location yet, but we know the culture is huge and passionate. It’s not lost on us that you guys want FuelFest to come north. I’ve been to Canada—love it, love the people—and we’ll definitely be making it happen.

Wrapping up, it’s clear that FuelFest is more than just a car show. It’s a celebration of diversity, creativity, and community—all while keeping Paul Walker’s legacy alive through Reach Out Worldwide. From the passion behind the builds to the hearts behind the cause, it’s an event with meaning, driven by a family and community that cares.

Stay tuned for more FuelFest coverage and updates on their expansion into new cities and countries—maybe even Canada next!