Racing is Home

The anticipation is in the air! Changes to cars are being tested and the smell of race fuel is dancing around again. Giddiness has replaced the exhaustion from the previous season, and the itch to be back spending days at the track is intensifying. After months of being cooped up indoors shivering in the cold, race season is back . . . unless your name is Florida and in that case you can just remain quiet, while you nod sympathetically.

Even as my fingers type the words out I can feel a bit of guilt, because in many ways I have been able to experience the warmer weather and a good amount of racing already this year. There is however a difference when you get back to the comfort of your home track and being surrounded by all the faces you have grown so accustomed to seeing for countless hours doing race car schtuff.

Without a doubt this year I have been subjected to the cabin fever of missing being at the track. It has only been 5 days, 17 hours and 37 minutes since I have stepped foot at a track. I despise that it has been that long and know countless people that it has been a lot more days, hours and minutes since they were there. That’s where the other, less loud side of racing happens, the off season. The point of reassessment. Tweaks to be made that were learned throughout the year. Reoccurring issues that now have adequate time to be dived into and solved. Money saved now invested into the upgraded option. The time that is spent grinding before gates open and the season opening passes are made.

Getting back to the track is home. It’s the full circle and heart of racing. It’s the moments of fulfillment, excitement, failures and redemptions. It’s the exuberance of supporting your friends as you see them crush their personal bests. Seeing the growth in both the large and small wins. It’s the exhaustion caused by late night thrashes in the pits combined with the summer heat that is regretfully remembered. It’s laughter caused by the sheer orneriness that every single person seems to be possessed by. It’s  burning leg muscles caused by walking and running back and forth to the start line to see a friend’s pass. It’s the fine dining breakfasts, lunches and dinners shared with friends consisting of Lunchables, Uncrustables, chicken strips, Gatorades, waters and energy drinks for an entire weekend. It’s the feeling of competition caused by pulling your car off the trailer and getting it prepped. There is no greater feeling. It is the feeling of home.

PRI Show 2021

This past June I had the pleasure of meeting the PRI Road Tour crew at the PFI Speed shop when they conducted the interview with Brent. As it had turned out they were in Colorado for the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb and were able to work into their busy schedule to make it out to PFI’s shop. Between the preparation, interview and filming we were given an opportunity to talk. Learning more about what the tour still had on their agenda and gearing up for the PRI Show later in the year. It was such a positive experience leaving me with a want to know more. 

Getting to the trade show was a wonder seeing all the work everyone had done to make it come together. Being greeted by the familiar faces of the Road Tour crew with hugs and handshakes as we caught up. During that time I was able to visit again with Jamie Meyer before he was swept away being the PRI showman he is and as well the rest of the PRI family. They were always bustling, whether it was following up with the content creators for their interviews, education or going around to the exhibitors. 

Even now, a few weeks after the PRI Show it still has me in a state of awe. Going into the trade show as a newbie this year I went in with doe like eyes. The absolute abundance was wonderfully overwhelming. Within the maze of the exhibitors it was unbelievably easy to get lost and disoriented within the magnitude of booths. Getting distracted even when having a plan in place whether it be a car, product or friend drawing your attention. Luckily after a few times around the exhibits I was able to find my way through the booths.

Even after three days it still almost doesn’t seem like enough time to thoroughly go through all the exhibits. One of the most appealing parts of the entire show was the fact that there was so much compact in a single location. Even despite not being able to fully see everything to the extent of the three days of the show, the quality of what was seen was highly impressive. On the top of my list of things I enjoyed were the cars on display. The list of go to cars is nothing short of impressive. No matter how many times you see cars like Ruby, Mullet, Tom Stark’s Wagon or Alex Taylor’s ’55 they remain to be show stoppingly stunning. All of them looking extra fancy without the normal display of roadworthy grime that is their typical uniform of the drag and drive events. 

In addition to seeing these quality staples it was an opportunity to stare at other cars, and boats, that I have had to live vicariously through social media to see the epicness of their builds. Farmtruck and AZN’s Farmboat was definitely one of those I had looked forward to taking a close look at.

As well as their Haunted Hearse; emerald green velvet curtains peek-a-boo the nitrous bottles laying eerily still in the coffin within the hefty hearse. Details that just don’t transpose over the internet as they do in person.

A thrilling car to see was the 1972 Challenger being built by Car Craft in their revival in video format. Intrigued to see the progression of not only the Hellcat swap, being a lover of all things Mopar, but the transition of magazine into video content has my close attention. I physically had to force myself to continue on rather than stop gawking at all of the cars at the exhibits. 

Throughout my time in Indianapolis I kept getting shocked on the amount of friends I was able to visit with, even if it were for mere minutes. This personal connection aspect of the PRI Show is one to not be underestimated. Taking part in the education classes offered ranging from RPM Act and Emission Compliance to Content Creation Panels it was a place for discussion. The value of interaction left me with encouragement and ideas for this coming year that I am thrilled to be in the pursuit of.

Always,

Heidi

Q14

One year ago the Quarantine Cruise was born as a way to enjoy a glimpse of normalcy during a time of heightened abnormality. Bringing a timeless automotive activity into a new light and adding an edge. A cruise structured to be welcome to all, yet including a level of surprise. To be in the know, you had to be in the know. The dates changed each month along with the start and end locations. Directions for the cruise dropped in the descriptions on the Instagram post. An added element of anticipation that only increased the cool factor. 

Out of the fourteen cruises that were hosted this year I had the opportunity to make it to two of them. Experiencing Q8 back in September, it was a requirement to get back the coast for another cruise. Straight opportunity resided in the hosting parking lots. Clubs such as the TRI-FIVE Crew (@trifive_crew) come in attendance with force. The uniqueness lying in the fact that each was in the exact same location at the exact same time. An opportunity to drool over them while physically standing over them. As if that wasn’t enough of a treat, when the time comes to move out from the starting location the cars then begin to truly show off. Engines and exhausts institute the sounds of pure happiness, commencing the rolling art show lining the streets of Huntington Beach. 

The first year of existence the Quarantine Cruise has created a presence in automotive car culture. Pulling many of these garage kept cars out onto the streets to be enjoyed and appreciated to the point of creating a fandom for many of the regulars that attend the cruise. Stoking the fire of community and friendships for like minded car people. It has been exciting to see a hand of friendship and respect being held out between the cruise and the City of Huntington Beach as well. 

Every Tuesday @qruisinpch streams a live on Instagram hosted by one of the founding members that features a hangout type of interview with guests ranging from automotive brands to participants in the cruises to content creators.  The insight each week has been fascinating. All the topics centered around the cruise but get into more of the nitty gritty of their particular part in the automotive world. Individuals showcasing specific aspects of their unique builds as they cheers with a drink in hand.

Shops being toured and envied while comments from those watching flood the feed with engagement on the topics discussed. Simply having the ability to put a face and personality to these online handles heightens that relationship with the automotive community. 

Following the Quarantine Cruise for the better part of the year watching their growth has been exciting. A positive in a time that has been trying for many, while bringing new relationships and connections to the automotive community. 

Always,

Heidi

Sam I Am

Sitting on the floor in Florida editing Elco pictures that were just taken, I heard late 90’s pop being played in the other room and instantly I started vibing to it. This was the moment I began to meet Samantha and I am immensely grateful that I did. From that day on we began to speak on the daily. Snaps filled with dancing, plants, animals and continuous positive energy. 

A recurring subject was Samantha talking about starting her YouTube channel to showcase her unique outlook on life. Being a mere 2 hours away from each other it was the perfect opportunity visit and do a branding photo session. As we began to brainstorm location ideas and a mention of a junkyard backdrop you could see the flicker of excitement in her eyes. Incorporating the grit of automotive with her bright sunshine it just felt right. 

Pulling up to the salvage yard’s gate we were greeted with barks of the fluffy junkyard protectors. The owner kindly gave us a tour of the remains of the salvage yard. Although the lot was much emptier than it was in its prime (as the owner is in the process of clearing it out), the bones that remained were golden. What remained was automotive art. Fences lined with old bed springs, quilted buildings made from car roofs, gates of rustic license plates keeping an actual dinosaur built of parts contained and giant umbrellas made of VW Bug hoods. It was a playground of magical automotive heaven. 

After our tour was complete, Samantha and I made our way back to the entrance with an enthusiasm that electrified the air. Anxious to get started to shoot, we wanted to utilize everything we possibly could knowing this would be our only shot. Once the music started it did not stop. 

At each new bus we explored the more personality Samantha shared. Natural charisma flowed from her effortlessly as she allowed for the music to dance with her soul. As a primarily automotive photographer this vibe was refreshing. She was in an element she thrived in and I was lucky enough to be the one to freeze those moments. Our shared passion with cars caused us to be giddy when a unique detail stood out to us while we looked into the windows and climbed inside and on top of buses.

Overcoming a fear of heights, Samantha climbed the rather sketchy ladder chained to the van that sat on a bus. From this perspective you could see the entirety of the salvage yard with snow capped mountains in the background. The session was coming to a close and neither one of us wanted to leave, yet we we both were ready to see the memories we created currently stored in my camera. It was within these few hours I went from knowing Samantha to meeting Sam. 

Always,

Heidi

Q8 - Quarantine Cruise Huntington Beach, CA

Daily scrolling on Instagram I was enamored by the cars Hot Rod Magazine was posting on their Instagram stories from something called a Quarantine Cruise hosted by @qruisingpch. Simply put I needed to be there. Impatiently waiting for the date to drop I began to research flights and prepping plans. Once the date was finalized tickets were purchased immediately to fly into San Diego. 

Truth be told the meet up location for the Q8 cruise was 77 miles north of my hotel in La Jolla. In love with the San Diego area, I wanted to utilize my short trip as much as possible, even if that meant committing to a 4:45 a.m. wake up to get to the cruise. I have no regrets. Before daylight broke on the glorious overcast Sunday morning I was driving comfortably on a cozy six lane interstate with a bazillion of my closest friends by me as I casually sipped on my basic caramel macchiato. Not even rapid lit brake lights on an interstate could break my spirits. 

Immediately pulling up to the meet up location at SOCO and the OC Mix with only a handful of the cars expected, the vibe was already a mood.Designated locations set for specifics makes and models. People directed each car as they pulled in through the entrance. Parking spots filled in quickly in each location making you do a double take even after you have just walked down that row and flipped back around to see the new arrivals. Unable to fully describe the feeling spread across the cruise at the time looking back it was respect. It was respect for the venue and each car that came. Not a single car had any amount of dust lining the dashboard. Each engine bay meticulously spotless proudly showcasing the countless hours of work in each custom build. There was respect for the other owners and their cars. It was a level up from any car show or event I had been to before.

As cars rolled in, there were those cars that magnetized my attention. A 1960 Cadillac appropriately named The Golden Child, a 1970 Plymouth Superbird, 1966 Mercury M250, Ford GT, Porche GTR3, Belairs, a Grand Wagoneer . . . the list truly goes on endlessly. The diversity extended even beyond the vast plethora of vehicles. Ranging from clean home garage wrenched to complex SEMA builds. Nothing was off the table. Everything was beautiful. Once in a while I would stop to take a moment to look around. This one spot held more unique cars that people only dream of seeing in a lifetime, I had the ability to see in a single day. 

Seeing these cars first hand is better than any photograph truly shows. There were times that I just let my camera hang at my side. Allowing conversation between myself and owners. Conversing about how they became the owners to the vehicle that was parked only feet away. A stand out moment is when I laid eyes on the black woody Grand Wagoneer with a lady and gentlemen casually sitting on camping chairs in front of it. I began to joke with them that they must be hiding the cars from me. They jumped from their chairs immediately moving them to the side as I insisted I was only giving them a hard time. With the chairs parted I snapped some pictures while I talked with the gentleman. The Jeep was completely original. Being surrounded by very particular owners in the past, I asked if it had ever seen a dirt road. As expected it had not. It was worth it though as the mileage had clocked into the 130,000 mile range every inch of the Wagoneer was beautiful and loved. Seeing the pride in his eyes as he spoke of the Jeep I wish I could have taken hours to hear the memories they shared. I wish I could have taken hours with each and everyone and their cars. 

Hands down it was like being in a candy store fumed with gasoline and roaring engines that lined your arms with goosebumps. The cruise portion began as they ushered cars out to the road and toward the onramp of the 405. This section is the bit where the cars had a chance to play and show off their unique creations. Honestly, how is it even possible not to give it a little extra gas as you head onto any onramp, let alone one lined with onlookers thrilled to be there?

The efficiency of moving and directing cars from the parking lot to the interstate was impressive. Though I was too into the zone to truthfully know the amount of time it took to clear the parking lot, I do know that I was jumping into my rented Ford Fiesta, Miss Mabel, much quicker than I had expected to. On to the end location in hopes of getting lined up rollers as they came in. 

Listening to the drone of the GPS giving me directions I knew we were getting close to the end location. Looking west you could see the unmistakable line of cars heading toward right at me. Approaching my turn, a line up of TRI-FIVES filled the left turning lane. Instead of following my directions I moved two lanes over and hurried to lower my window with one hand as I grabbed my camera from my passenger with my other. Time was ticking for the light would only stay red for so long. Snapping away then stopping knowing you just got that shot you were looking for. The light turned green and the moment was over. 

Pulling into the parking lot it was very full. Knowing that my little car did not need a spot close to the action I pulled into the Albertsons parking lot on the opposite end of the lot. Walking down to the hub the bustle continued. Onlookers made their way through the rows and secluded sections pointing out to each other cars and people they knew from Instagram. Thrilled to be seeing the actual car they knew so much about. Looking for vantage points and different perspectives I hiked up a small dirt hill. It felt peaceful as you looked over a cove of cars with palm trees in the distance. Back down to the pavement the weather was growing hotter as the sun exposed itself more. Weaving between the cars every once in a while a car would pop up that I hadn’t remembered seeing at the first location. Slowly the parking lot began to empty. The cruise I had traveled for was coming to an end. 

It’s been two weeks since I was there, that is two weeks too long in my opinion. If you are presented an opportunity to go to any one of the quarantine cruises your response should be an immediate yes. Having an opportunity to be around a stunning collection of diverse cars there should be no excuse not to go. By going, I experienced more growth and a love for an industry that continuously and completely pulls you into its loud embrace. 

Always,

Heidi