There, was a time in the not too distant past that this writer would have jumped at the chance to go to local car meet or a big event. For some reason, over the last 18 months or so that passion dulled, to the point of not really caring at all.
It’s got nothing to do with the organisers (although some of them have questionable motives), or seeing how people’s passion for their particular car has spilled into creating something that they are proud of, either.
For me at least, it was boredom. Seeing the same cars and ideas at every meet was becoming monotonous, and felt like people were just going through the motions. Turn up, look and take photos of the same cars every time.
It felt like being in a long-term toxic relationship that was sucking the passion for life itself out of me. At the same time, work and some personal commitments forced me to take a bit of a step back, but I wasn’t complaining.
Instead, I focused on building my own car. It was during this process I realised what it was that had driven my passion all along. It wasn’t the endless meets, or showing off who has the biggest and best bank balance; it was about connecting with a vehicle.
This is where my mind started to shift from loud builds to an appreciation of the more subtle and personal approach – call it OEM+, if you will. Essentially, something that can be enjoyed on a daily basis, and genuinely makes you smile when you drive it.
No brownie points at some show, or push for internet clout. Reality kicked in earlier this year when Exhaust Notes Australia hit the road to take in some of NSW best driving roads; a trip dubbed Chasing Corners, and for good reason.
It really hammered home the idea that cars should be fun. We took a gaggle of vehicles with us, two of them modified, one brand new, and the other more than 12 years old, with over 100,000km on the clock.
These were cars that could do the important things, like being a car. Moreover, they could all do fun stuff, too. The fact that we covered 4700km in just over a week, with only a few minor issues, speaks volumes.
Not one was a show pony. Instead (and yes, this includes the new Audi), they were all built for fun, and everyday use. Looking back at everything I’ve owned, the irony that the ones I enjoyed the most had the least amount of mods, is not lost on me.
It was the cars that flew under the radar and didn’t scream look at me, that I cared about the most. In reality, I’ve also come to realise what actually excites me about the car scene, and I think it’s something that will ultimately save it.
It’s not just about the cars, but more about the people. If there’s a bit of a drive with mates involved, all the better. In a world where cars are getting more sanitary to meet new emissions and safety standards, the real car people are rising to the top.
While it means car culture becomes a little bit marginalised, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Hear me out on this, sure the numbers of enthusiasts will drop, but it means the people that are left are real, and not just there to flex.
As for me, I’ll still go to events, I’ve just become more selective. It’s now about where there’s something happening, rather than simply hanging in a car park. We’re talking a proper end of month meet at a dragway or an event with a cause.
Think Drive Against Depression type stuff. What’s even better is a cruise with some mates. It doesn’t need to be far or fast, just something as simple as a run to get some donuts or good food, with some interesting hangouts on the way. That’ll do me.
