by Seth Hall
Staff writer
While growing up, cars were always something I admired and loved.
It all began with hearing my first V8 engine in a 2005 C6 Corvette, the first of the sixth generation Corvettes. Although I was fairly young when this beautiful car captured my ears and eyes, I remember the loud rumble of the LS2 6.0-liter engine.
Fast forward a couple of years, and my knowledge of cars started to slowly grow into a true fascination. Super cars became my topic of interest in my daily life, and I aspired to learn more and more about these sleek, fast machines.
Like many young boys, super cars grabbed my attention as fast as they were able to drive. My fascination in these Italian-made super cars really kicked off when I was almost old enough to drive. I would spend my Saturdays at car scenes viewing all the wild cars that would show up. Over time, I realized how impractical owning a super car would be. Because of this, I slowly dove back into the American muscle car community.
When my father tossed me the keys to my first car, I realized he tossed me the keys to a Mustang. From this point on, my true love for American-made sports cars was born. The sleek convertible black Mustang was my pride and joy until I managed to save up for a newer and sportier model.
It was during this time of owning my various Mustangs that driving became my passion, alongside my growing love for cars. Every day, I drove my car and eventually discovered the most fun cars to drive were those with manual transmissions. Having the power to choose what gear to be in and when to be in it was thrilling. All attention is brought to the car and road. Many people have referred to this as the car driving you, and you driving the car. Driving the car is hands down the better choice.
Recently, I’ve found myself venturing into different cultures in the car community. With it brings exciting new ideas for my life ahead. Among these new car cultures is the Japanese domestic market, JDM for short. JDM legends such as the mark IV Supra or RX7 have sparked my love for this whole new level of cars. Regardless of which car someone is into, or even the style of driving, there is a culture for everyone. Many JDM lovers go for a showier style to bring attention, while some American muscle groups are all about horsepower and 0-60 speeds. With all of these cultures, one thing remains the same, and that’s the connection a car and its owner share.
From the minute the key turns to when the car is turned off, everyone has a spot in a culture, and it’s just a matter of time before new cultures are made. For me, cars have always been my life. It just took me time to realize it and find my place in the car community. In the years to come, I don’t know where cars will be, or even what cultures will exist. But one thing is for certain, there will always be a car and driver making his or her scene in the world.
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