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This month I wanted to bring you something special, or should I say, someone special. At the Nopi Nationals, back in Sept. 2002, I got to meet and hang out with RJ De Vera. Being a MiniTrucker, I wasn't too familiar with who he was or why he seemed so great to the people wanting his attention. That quickly changed. As a journalist, I watched RJ, the celebrity, sign autographs and talk to the people seeking them like each one was just as important as the last one. The RJ I've gotten the chance to know since then is someone who anybody would like to call a friend. He knows his roots still and hasn't forgotten where he started. Which, by the way, is where most of us start, the garage. RJ's self-written biography can be read on his web site www.rojawheels.com. I've read it several times myself since my first meeting with him. If you take the time to read his BIO, you'll learn some pretty neat things about a man who has, in some way, touched every aspect of the import scene, as we know it today. Below are some questions I had for RJ after reading his BIO.SSM: What was the major influence to you that made you get into the import scene?RJ: I was just always into cars. I once went to the street races when I was 14 and I was hooked. I picked up Option Magazines and looked through them day after day. There was no real import scene at the time, just a bunch of guys who were really into their Japanese cars for racing and cruising.SSM: What made you turn from street racing to racing legally on a strip or circuit?RJ: Well, when you're young, you're a bit more foolish, and at most times, you think you're invincible. It makes you more daring. As you get older, you start to get wiser. Street racing was getting tougher and tougher and the consequences made more of an impact. I started going to the Battle of the Imports and Terminal Island and was just much more comfortable racing on a drag strip. The fact that it was timed made me want to beat that time the next time around. Now, I love the challenge of racing whether it's on the drag strip or on the circuit. It's all about getting faster and better each time out and staying consistent. SSM: Out of the cars you've built to date, which one would you say you enjoyed the most overall, and why?RJ: I love the NSX because it has always been my dream car. It's very exotic looking so it gets a lot of attention from all types of people. However, I've got to say that I enjoyed the Honda S2000 because of it's drop top. It was a small nimble car that loved to be driven fast and it was great to drive around on the sunny streets of LA.
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(The S2000 he's referring to is the one used in the Fast and the Furious.)SSM: Is there still a vehicle you have yet to build or own that would be a highpoint to you? If so, what would you do to that vehicle in terms of modifications given unlimited resources?RJ: As soon as you finish a project, you look on the next. I can say that there isn't time to produce all the projects that I want to. I would really like to do a Toyota Supra with the 2JZA80 motor. It's a beast of a motor and I definitely want to be able to say that I built a 1000HP streetcar at least once in my life. I'm also a Ferrari fanatic and would love to do say a 360 Spider with some good modifications. The dream would not be complete without a McLaren F1, but I'd leave that one alone.SSM: Leave it alone? I see you grinning.SSM: With all the success you've attained on and off the track what does it mean to you to be where you're at today?RJ: I just feel very happy that I have been able to do things that I love. I feel that I am very fortunate to have had the chances that have been given to me and am thankful to God, my family, partners, and friends who have helped make me who I am. When all is said and done, I'm just another guy that loves cars. I've just had a few breaks and I've worked hard as well. I'm definitely proud of everything that I have accomplished but there is much more to learn and do.SSM: Where do you see yourself in the future?RJ: I never really think too far ahead. All I know is that I will always be looking for challenges and will forever be yearning to learn new things. I'm the type of person that keeps moving on no matter what and I'm always looking for new experiences. Where I end up later on is a mystery, but I hope to inspire and be inspired by others. That about wraps things up for this month. Check out www.rojawheels.com to read the full BIO for yourself. To see RJ in action, you can check out the race scene from Fast and the Furious. He's the guy playing GT3 in the white Acura. He and some of his cars will also be featured in the upcoming Fast and the Furious 2. RJ also has big racing plans for 2003 with a fleet of Acura RSX's and whatever other projects he ventures into. Wherever RJ ends up, I'm sure he'll find success. Who knows? Maybe soon we'll see that dream Supra of his.Until next month, keep it real, and don't forget your roots.Russell GulowSubCulture
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