Racing for a Dream
Evren Toprak drives his kart during a practice run at Buttonwillow Raceway Kart Track in Buttonwillow, Calif., on April 20, 2024. Photo by Benjamin Hanson.
It’s 15 minutes before a race and 15-year-old Evren Toprak prepares to slip into his alter ego. He scans his bright yellow racing kart that will join him...
Out of the Wreckage
Kristen Aslanian stands next to her Porsche 944 in Chatsworth Calif., on April 19, 2024. Photo by Ashley Shellmire
One weekend in 2021, Kristen Aslanian and her mother Ani met for a meal at Rosalind’s in the Little Ethiopia neighborhood of Los Angeles.
Afterward, they headed back to their homes...
Flippin’ Whips
Erick Vasquez wipes down the engine of his Nissan GTR R35s in Chatsworth, Calif., on April 3, 2024. Photo by Ashley Shellmire
On a recent SuperCar Sunday at Pierce College, five of Erik Vasquez’ cars grabbed spectators’ attention, including his two rare, discontinued Nissan GTR R35s.
But that’s just part...
Three Wheel Motion
Jess "Cookie" Juarez stands by his 1966 Chevy Impala SS on Alabama Street in Canoga Park, Calif., on April 17, 2024. Photo by Myraneli Fabian
Jess “Cookie” Juarez opens the suicide door of Crystal Blue Persuasion, his 1966 Chevy Impala SS with shaved handles and 13 different hues of candy blue and...
Pedal to the Metal
Jay Frye spins his wheels during an NHRA Summit Series at Irwindale Speedway in Irwindale, Calif., on April 7, 2024. Photo by Benjamin Hanson.
Red.
The tires spin and smoke rises.
Yellow.
The engines rumble as drivers anticipate conquering the eighth-mile.
The Manicured Mechanic
Emily Holz conducts a battery test on a Chevy Cruse in Chatsworth, Calif., on April 21, 2024. Photo by Myraneli Fabian
When Emily Holz showed up for one of her first automotive service technician classes at Pierce College, she raised more than a few eyebrows. Holz describes herself as a niche within a...
Drifting in Style
Zach MacGilivray drifts around the track during a Drift Roulette elimination tournament at Willow Springs Raceway in Rosamond, Calif., on April 20, 2024. Photo by Ashley Shellmire
White smoke fills the air as roaring engines and squealing tires burn hard rubber on hot asphalt. As the sun beats down on the...
Showdown: Gas vs. EV
Roberto Orozco inspects an engine in Los Angeles, Calif., on April 4, 2024. Photo by Ashley Shellmire
Roberto Orozco is no stranger to gas vehicles, but when he stepped into a Tesla for the first time it felt like going into a new world, like something from a video game. He...
LA underground
People dance during a Powersource rave in Downtown LA, Calif., on April 29, 2023. Photo by Alexis Guevara
When the sun goes down and the clock strikes 10 p.m., ravers of Los Angeles flock to the streets Downtown following their map of directions—and the noise—to reach venues.Partygoers receive the location from an automated...
Journey to self-awareness
Bhardi Patel performing Puja ritual before entering The Valley Temple in Northridge, Calif., on March 27, 2023.
Some people have bodily concept of life and take the mind for granted. But when meditating, people may find a purpose and a path to self-realization.
This practice is a form of exercise...