The first event of the year, Tuner Galleria, saw us participating as vendors this time around. Although the day was long and spent promoting my brand at the booth, the highlight came at the end during the roll-out. This exhilarating moment, when all the show cars exit the indoor venue, creates an unforgettable spectacle. The roar of engines, the distinct scents of petrol, and the vibrant atmosphere truly make it a standout experience of the event.
The final Tuner Fest of the season proved to be a mixed bag of surprises, both positive and negative. On the downside, attendance was disappointing, especially with other events scheduled on the same day and numerous local crews hosting their own "season closers." However, the silver lining was the unwavering support from our dedicated fans, who still managed to enjoy the day. A particularly memorable moment came when an old friend unexpectedly arrived with a fire dancer, who delivered an incredible performance that truly capped off the event. The takeaway? Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, but we’re committed to continuing our efforts to create fantastic experiences for the car community and culture.
Sometimes, it's the unassuming car meets that leave a lasting impression. This particular gathering was conveniently located just down the street from my home, so I couldn't resist checking it out. Among the impressive lineup, a stunning JDM supercar, the NSX, immediately caught my attention. It stands as a remarkable example of the ideal NSX build, in my eyes. Which is why it has earned a spot in our top 9 for 2025.
This Supra build is truly remarkable, thanks in part to our friends at Omega Auto Service; who had a hand in this build. I've had the opportunity to see it in their shop a few times, but witnessing it on the road is an entirely different experience. It's no surprise that this stunning Supra attracts so much attention; its beauty is simply captivating.
Our Michigan event with Auto Modified was an unforgettable experience. I drove my Honda from Illinois to Kalamazoo right after installing new axles, and while I felt a twinge of nervousness, my love for the car gave me confidence in its performance. On the final day of the event, I had the incredible opportunity to enjoy the historic 75-year-old track all to myself before it officially opened. This is why that moment captured in the photo is so special—just me and my Honda on a legendary circuit. I even got to take a few laps, and let me tell you, driving on a circle track is a unique thrill that’s hard to describe, but it’s definitely exhilarating.
At the starting grid of the iconic Kalamazoo Speedway, it's just me and my Honda. I am captivated by the overhead view, the profile, and the overall composition of this photo, which is why it stands out among the unforgettable memories of racing on this track.
This photo from Kalamazoo really catches the eye, particularly because the Volkswagen is sitting so low to the ground. The owner was a laid-back guy, and I had a great time chatting with him and his friends. Did I mention that this car is "static". I know, pretty wild!!!
The standout feature of Kalamazoo Speedway for me was the drifting. Experiencing it live surpassed any videos I had watched prior. The skill of the drivers was impressive; they truly know how to handle their cars. It was an incredible showcase of talent, and I’m already looking forward to my next visit!
Kalamazoo truly impressed me this year, marking our first multi-day event that involved camping. Michigan certainly knows how to do camping right, even for someone like me who isn't particularly fond of the outdoors or bugs. However, I would gladly do it all over again. The first weekend of October provided ideal weather, with pleasantly warm days and cool nights that allowed me to sleep soundly.
~ BONUS PIC ~
Here’s a bonus photo I wanted to share from a day filled with fun. I met up with some friends, and we attended two car meets, enjoying the thrill of cruising together while admiring some impressive rides. I miss doing that
On a personal note, this marks the first time in years that I've created a best nine article. I had lost my way for a while, trying to meet others' expectations, but I've come to understand that true happiness stems from within and pursuing my passions. As a commitment to myself for 2026, I plan to take more photos and write more articles, as these activities bring me joy and serve as a form of therapy. See you at Tuner Fest!!!