the mommy avenger

Salt Lake City came alive in the most high-octane way possible this weekend, as FuelFest rolled into town, and it was nothing short of electric. For car lovers, thrill-seekers, families, and anyone who just wanted to feel the buzz of an epic summer event, FuelFest checked every single box. And let me tell you, being there felt like stepping straight into a movie—loud engines, custom builds, drifting smoke filling the air, and thousands of people gathered together to celebrate everything that makes car culture so exciting.

For those who don’t know, FuelFest isn’t just another car show. It was co-founded by Cody Walker and Chris Lee with the mission of bringing people together through their shared love of cars while also raising money for Reach Out Worldwide (ROWW), the nonprofit Paul Walker started to provide disaster relief worldwide. So while you’re drooling over custom builds, feeling your heart pound with every engine rev, and soaking up the entertainment, you’re also contributing to a cause that’s making a real difference. That’s what makes FuelFest special: it’s not only about the cars—it’s about community, purpose, and passion.

And Salt Lake City? It was primed and ready to host. Utah has this growing, thriving car scene, and it was clear the moment we stepped onto the venue grounds that the crowd had been waiting for something like this. Thousands poured in, excited to experience an event that combined the adrenaline of motorsport with the energy of a festival.

Walking through the gates, the sound hit us first—the unmistakable roar of engines on the drift track. It was the kind of sound you don’t just hear—you feel it in your chest. The drifting exhibition became our first stop, and honestly, we could have stayed there all day. Car after car hit the track, engines screaming, tires smoking, as they slid sideways through corners with unbelievable control. And here’s the best part: you could actually buy a ride-along. Imagine strapping into a drift car, feeling the G-forces as a professional driver flung you around the track—it was the kind of experience you don’t forget. Even just watching, the energy was contagious. Every time a car launched into another drift, the crowd cheered, kids’ eyes went wide, and adults grinned like little kids themselves.

Then came the motorcycles. These riders had no fear. They launched into the air, pulling off spins and stunts that made your stomach drop just watching them. The crowd went wild every time, and what struck me most was how family-friendly the whole thing was. Kids lined the barriers, jumping up and down, pointing, and squealing with excitement. Parents were just as thrilled, cameras out, cheering right alongside them. This wasn’t an event where the adults had fun and the kids just tagged along—this was a full-on family day, and the organizers clearly knew how to keep everyone entertained.

Once we finally pulled ourselves away from the drifting and stunts, we headed toward the heart of the venue. Imagine aisle after aisle of custom cars—polished to perfection, engines gleaming under the sun, paint jobs so detailed they looked like art. From imports to exotics, classics to wild custom builds, there was something for everyone. It was the kind of place where you’d walk two steps, stop to admire something, then immediately get distracted by the next car down the line.

And then there was the “Taste of Tokyo”—but don’t mistake this for food vendors. At FuelFest, the Taste of Tokyo refers to a curated showcase of high-quality JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) and custom cars, designed to evoke the atmosphere of an underground Japanese car meet. It featured carefully selected vehicles that represented the best in JDM culture, providing a special area within the larger FuelFest event to highlight these unique and talented builds. Walking through, it felt like you’d been transported straight into the streets of Tokyo at midnight—sleek, powerful machines glowing under the summer sun, each one a piece of rolling art.

Of course, one of the biggest highlights was the lineup of iconic cars from the Fast and the Furious franchise. These weren’t just replicas thrown together for show—these were the real-deal stars of the car world.

And then came the moment that gave everyone chills: Cody Walker himself rolled up in a Toyota Supra replica of his brother Paul Walker’s car from the very first Fast and Furious movie. The crowd instantly swarmed, cameras flashing, people cheering. That Supra wasn’t just a car—it was a symbol, a connection to Paul’s legacy and everything that FuelFest represents. And to top it off, the car was part of a giveaway—yes, someone will actually drive away in that iconic Supra. Seeing it up close, with Cody behind the wheel, was easily one of the most memorable parts of the day.

But FuelFest didn’t stop there. The entertainment kept rolling—literally. We made our way to the concert stage where live music added another layer of energy to the festival. Imagine standing under the summer sun, music blasting, while surrounded by car fanatics who all came together to celebrate the same passion. It was like the ultimate summer party.

And then there was the shopping. Specialty merchandise, collectibles, limited edition gear—you name it, FuelFest had it. For the true fans, this was the place to snag something unique to remember the day. Whether it was a shirt, a model car, or something one-of-a-kind, the merch booths were buzzing all day long.

Looking around, what struck me was just how happy everyone was. There was this shared energy—this high that comes from being part of something bigger than yourself. You didn’t need to be a die-hard car enthusiast to feel it. The kids were entertained nonstop, the adults were reliving their own childhood dreams, and everyone was soaking up the atmosphere.

By the end of the day, we were sun-kissed, happily exhausted, and still buzzing with adrenaline. FuelFest had delivered exactly what it promised: a celebration of car culture that was high energy, family-friendly, and unforgettable. It wasn’t just about the cars (though the cars were jaw-dropping)—it was about the community, the cause, and the experience.

Salt Lake City proved it was more than ready to host FuelFest, and judging by the turnout and the energy, I’d say it’s only the beginning. This was the kind of event you circle on your calendar and count down the days for, and we can’t wait to do it all over again.

FuelFest was a blast—thrilling, inspiring, and packed with moments we’ll be talking about for a long time. If you get the chance to go, don’t hesitate. Go for the cars, stay for the experience, and leave with memories that stick. Until next time, FuelFest—we’ll be ready.

_{*we were invited to facilitate a feature, all opinions are our own*}