March 8th, 2025 鈥� South Florida Fairgrounds turned into an automotive paradise as FuelFest returned to West Palm Beach, bringing with it an unforgettable fusion of car culture, live entertainment, and community vibes.
The weather couldn't have been better鈥攑erfect Florida sunshine, light breeze, and the kind of energy you only get when thousands of passionate car lovers come together. The atmosphere was electric from the moment the gates opened. One of the best parts of the day was reconnecting with friends I don鈥檛 get to see often. I caught up with the Drift HQ crew, Collete Davis, Chelsea DeNofa, Jonathan Nerren, and so many other familiar faces from the scene. It鈥檚 always cool seeing how much the community continues to grow while still keeping that tight-knit family feeling.
The Cars
If you鈥檙e a car fan, FuelFest was heaven on Earth. From muscle to imports, exotics to restomods, the diversity was wild. One car that seriously caught my eye was a 4th-gen turbocharged Honda Prelude鈥攕uper rare to see at events like this, and it was built to impress. The attention to detail and uniqueness of the build stood out in a sea of incredible rides. Of course, the drift zone was hot all day long, with non-stop action and tire smoke filling the air. Watching pro drivers rip it alongside wild builds made for one of the most exciting parts of the show.
Chatting with Cody Walker
I had the chance to catch up with Cody Walker inside one of the event's interior buildings, where we discussed the unique vibe of FuelFest and how it celebrates all facets of car culture. Cody shared his thoughts on how FuelFest is more than just a car show鈥攊t鈥檚 a community-driven event that continues Paul Walker鈥檚 legacy through Reach Out Worldwide. The impact of the festival goes beyond the cars, blending passion, purpose, and people. For a deeper dive into Cody鈥檚 thoughts on FuelFest, Paul鈥檚 legacy, and more, check out our full interview at the end of this post.
Live Entertainment
The Festival Stage, hosted by DJ Kid Karter, was bumping all day. I caught some great performances, including sets by Ocelot, Nick Hogan, and Mayday, plus contests like the Marines Pull-Up Challenge and the announcement of the People鈥檚 Choice Paddock winners. The energy was nonstop, and there was something for everyone.
Wrapping It Up
FuelFest West Palm Beach was everything you could ask for in a car show and then some. Between the cars, the culture, and the cause, this event continues to raise the bar. If you鈥檝e never been to a FuelFest, you鈥檙e missing out. Whether you're in it for the builds, the drifting, the music, or the people鈥攖here鈥檚 no place quite like it. And hey, rumor has it, they鈥檙e eyeing Canada next. Fingers crossed!
FuelFest with Cody Walker: Celebrating Car Culture and Continuing a Legacy
We caught up with Cody Walker at FuelFest West Palm Beach, where car culture, community, and the legacy of his late brother, Paul Walker, continue to thrive. As co-founder of FuelFest, Cody shared his thoughts on the festival鈥檚 growth, the diversity it celebrates, and the enduring impact of Paul鈥檚 legacy through both the event and the nonprofit Reach Out Worldwide (ROWW).
FuelFest has become a massive event. What do you think contributes to its ongoing success?
Cody Walker: FuelFest stands out because we celebrate all aspects of car culture. Whether it's muscle, imports, or exotics, we invite everyone. Our connection to Fast & Furious also plays a big role鈥攖hose films were successful because of their diversity, and we bring that same spirit to FuelFest.
What鈥檚 the biggest trend in the automotive scene you鈥檝e noticed?
Cody Walker: The diversity itself is the biggest trend. Drifting, in particular, is a huge part of it. It鈥檚 not just about the cars but also the creativity behind them. You鈥檒l see everything from Ferraris to 240s, all with unique builds and personalities.
What鈥檚 the sickest or rarest car you鈥檝e seen at FuelFest?
Cody Walker: I love the oddball cars. It鈥檚 cool seeing rare builds, but I鈥檓 drawn to the ones regular people can afford and modify鈥攖hose are the true gems of the car community.
FuelFest supports Reach Out Worldwide. What does it mean to you to carry on Paul鈥檚 legacy through these efforts?
Cody Walker: It means everything. Reach Out Worldwide (ROWW) is a piece of Paul that he left behind. He was the heart and soul of that organization鈥攈e funded it himself. I鈥檓 so thankful to the car community, especially the grassroots donors. I bet a lot of people at this very show have contributed in some way. FuelFest helps keep that mission going. A portion of proceeds from every show goes back to ROWW, and so far, we鈥檝e raised over $600,000. It started as a simple idea, and now here we are鈥攐ur fourth year in West Palm Beach.
Are there any current or upcoming projects for ROWW?
Cody Walker: ROWW is always busy. Right now, we have efforts going in Tennessee, Kentucky, and California鈥攆rom hurricane relief to wildfire recovery. In California, we鈥檝e even repurposed an old Bed Bath & Beyond building as a distribution center for supplies鈥攆urniture, care kits, you name it. We're mucking out homes, delivering aid, and staying true to the core mission. FuelFest just helps keep that momentum alive.
Is there something about Paul that people might not know, but you wish they did?
Cody Walker: You know, I think people do know, and that鈥檚 the best part. He was just a normal guy. If you didn鈥檛 recognize him, you wouldn鈥檛 know he was a celebrity. He didn鈥檛 care about fame. He wanted to surf, drive cool cars, and enjoy life. He had a big heart and was a positive influence鈥攏ot just on me but on so many people. I meet fans at these events who tell me Paul inspired them or changed their lives, and I always respond, 鈥淢e too.鈥�
Do you have a favorite memory with Paul that鈥檚 automotive-related?
Cody Walker: Absolutely. I like to share this one: I was about 13鈥攂efore I could drive鈥攁nd Paul had just picked up an R34 Skyline GT-R in Bayside Blue. This was before people in the U.S. really knew what that car was. I remember riding shotgun with him, and guys were literally hanging out of their cars to get a glimpse of it. I told him, 鈥淒ude, they recognize you!鈥� And he goes, 鈥淚t鈥檚 the car, bro. You don鈥檛 understand yet, but it鈥檚 the car.鈥� That stuck with me. And now, looking back, that car鈥檚 become such an icon.
Where do you see FuelFest going in the next five years? Any plans for Canada?
Cody Walker: Yes! We definitely want to go to Canada. We鈥檝e been talking to people there鈥攚e haven鈥檛 locked in a location yet, but we know the culture is huge and passionate. It鈥檚 not lost on us that you guys want FuelFest to come north. I鈥檝e been to Canada鈥攍ove it, love the people鈥攁nd we鈥檒l definitely be making it happen.
Wrapping up, it鈥檚 clear that FuelFest is more than just a car show. It鈥檚 a celebration of diversity, creativity, and community鈥攁ll while keeping Paul Walker鈥檚 legacy alive through Reach Out Worldwide. From the passion behind the builds to the hearts behind the cause, it鈥檚 an event with meaning, driven by a family and community that cares.
Stay tuned for more FuelFest coverage and updates on their expansion into new cities and countries鈥攎aybe even Canada next!
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