A Journey Fueled by Passion: From a Childhood Dream to a Lifeline
by Owning a car isn’t just about having a mode of transportation; for many, it’s a deeply personal journey that reflects dreams, struggles, and a unique sense of identity. Take, for instance, the story of Matt, a car enthusiast who grew up dreaming of owning a high-performance Audi. This dream became a reality and blossomed into a passion intertwined with his life’s most intimate moments.
From Dream to Reality
Owning an Audi was a childhood dream, and for Matt, it became a cherished reality. The allure of the Audi S5’s sleek design and powerful performance captivated his imagination from a young age. Now, with a Stage 1 ECU/TCU tune from a private Ukrainian tuner, a Borla resonator, and a cold air intake, his car isn’t just a vehicle but an ongoing project and a source of immense pride. The journey of modifications is far from over, with plans to wrap the car in midnight purple, add a full body kit, and achieve over 800 horsepower. Each modification, from the RS-style grill to the future body kit, is a testament to Matt’s dedication and passion.
“I dreamt of owning one since I was a wee tot,” Matt shares, highlighting the deep-rooted connection to his Audi.
Family Ties and Inspirations
The roots of Matt’s car passion run deep, tracing back to a father who raced motorcycles and a grandfather who survived World War II and amassed a collection of classic cars. Matt’s father raced in the motorcycle circuit, often referred to as the NASCAR version of bikes, before transitioning to Harley-Davidsons. This exposure to racing and mechanics instilled a love for speed and vehicles in Matt from an early age. His grandfather’s farm, filled with Chevelles and old Chevys, was a playground and a source of endless fascination. Among those cars, a mid-1990s Chevy stood out, igniting a love for automobiles that would grow over the years.
Matt’s grandfather, who drove semis his whole life, played a pivotal role in his upbringing. After escaping the horrors of World War II, he found solace and purpose in his farm and collection of classic cars. For Matt, those times spent wandering the fields, admiring the cars, were more than just moments of curiosity—they were escapes from life’s pressures, a young boy’s refuge in a world of chrome and horsepower.
“My grandfather took me in when I left home at a very young age. Every day, I would go down into the fields and admire the cars he had, especially one old mid-1990s Chevy that I absolutely loved,” Matt reminisces.
Learning and Evolving
Despite feeling like a novice even at 30, Matt has embraced the learning curve with enthusiasm. A standout memory involves an attempt to change brakes and rotors in a parking lot, which ended in disaster but highlighted the camaraderie of the car community. The experience, though embarrassing, was a pivotal learning moment and reinforced the bond with friends who came to the rescue. It’s a reminder that we all start somewhere, and every mistake is a step towards mastery.
“We tried changing my brakes and rotors in the middle of a parking lot outside the season opener with me having zero experience and my friends trying to help the best they could. Ended up blowing out both my back pistons,” Matt recalls with a mix of humor and humility.
Building a Community
Joining a car club became a transformative experience, bringing new friendships and a sense of belonging. What started as a small club evolved into a tight-knit community where Matt found not just friends, but a support system that shares the same passion for cars. The feeling of acceptance and mutual understanding within this group is invaluable. I remember finding my own sense of community in unexpected places, realizing that shared interests can bridge even the widest gaps.
“I never would have thought five years ago I would have met the closest friends I have to this day, but here I am all because of a tiny car club or so it was when I joined,” Matt reflects.
Challenges and Aspirations
Balancing a passion for cars with the responsibilities of a blended family of nine is no small feat. Financial constraints often make it challenging to pursue the desired modifications, yet the dream remains undeterred. Achieving over 800 horsepower and installing a full body kit are high on the wishlist, dreams that fuel late-night garage sessions and extra work hours. Matt’s story is a testament to the balancing act many of us perform, juggling passions, responsibilities, and the relentless pursuit of our dreams.
“Parts are overly expensive, and we live solely off my income. I have tried reaching out to many brands and big shots for sponsorship to help me and the kids turn our car into a 10-second whip, but unfortunately, no luck,” Matt shares candidly.
The Lifeline of a Car
The car isn’t just a hobby; it’s a lifeline. During one of the darkest periods of his life, when addiction and depression took a toll, the car became a source of salvation. Working on the car provided a distraction, a way to reconnect with family, and a path to recovery. It brought joy back into Matt’s life, offering a sense of purpose and a means to bond with his wife and kids.
As someone who grew up with a father who battled alcoholism and an uncle whose life spiraled due to drugs, I understand the heavy burden of addiction. Matt’s ability to find solace and purpose in his car is nothing short of inspiring. It’s a powerful reminder that sometimes, our passions can pull us from the darkest places, offering a beacon of hope and a reason to keep moving forward.
Matt has also faced the challenges of living with ADHD, a condition that can complicate mental health struggles. Dr. Edward Hallowell aptly describes ADHD: “ADHD is like having a Ferrari engine for a brain with bicycle brakes. Strengthen the brakes and you have a champion. People with ADHD are the inventors and the innovators, the movers and the doers, the dreamers who built America.” This quote captures the essence of what many of us with ADHD experience—boundless energy and creativity that sometimes needs a bit of guidance to harness effectively.
Words of Wisdom
For those new to the car enthusiast community, Matt’s advice is clear: ignore the haters. Judgment and negativity are rampant, but they shouldn’t deter anyone from pursuing their passion. The car community can be toxic, but it can also be incredibly supportive. Focus on what makes you happy and find those who share your enthusiasm. I’ve learned that life’s too short to let others’ opinions dictate our happiness. We all stumble, but it’s in getting back up and continuing the journey that we find our true strength.
“A lot of people in the car community have become very toxic and extremely judgmental. A lot of people talked badly about my car at first, saying it was ugly and slow. But now, despite me barely being halfway done, those people say nothing. I use people’s hate and toxicity to connect with others who have dealt with the same crap, and honestly, I’ve made so many new friends because of it,” Matt advises.
Connecting with Others
Connecting with other enthusiasts happens both in-person and online. Whether at car meets, through TikTok, or at various car shows, these interactions enrich Matt’s experience and open doors to potential sponsorships and new friendships. In a world where digital connections often feel shallow, these shared passions bring genuine relationships to the forefront.
“Honestly, usually at the Mexico meets or with my car club. I also connect with people specifically on TikTok as I post a ton of video edits and pictures,” Matt explains.
A Personal Reflection
Reflecting on the journey, Matt credits his father and grandfather for igniting his passion for cars. Their influence is deeply ingrained, shaping not only his love for automobiles but also his values and outlook on life. The car, a tangible link to cherished memories and ongoing dreams, remains a central part of his identity.
“One hundred percent my dad and my grandfather. They played the biggest role in my interest,” Matt acknowledges.
In the end, the story of Matt and his 2013 Audi S5 is more than just about a car. It’s about family, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds forged through shared passions. It’s a testament to how something as simple as a vehicle can profoundly impact a person’s life, providing solace, purpose, and a sense of community. And as Matt continues to work on his car, he knows that he’s not just building a machine; he’s crafting a legacy, one that connects the past with the future and brings people together along the way.
Matt, if you ever feel like you’re stumbling, remember this: we all have our battles, our moments of doubt. But it’s in those moments that we find our true strength. You’re an amazing father and husband, and your passion for cars is a beautiful part of your journey. Take it easy on yourself, celebrate your victories, and know that you’re doing an incredible job. Life is long and full of ups and downs, and it’s our resilience that defines us. Keep moving forward, and never forget the power of your story.
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