On July 27th, I made my way down to Crisfield, MD, for the Wheels on the Waterfront car show. As soon as I arrived, I could feel the energy in the air. The sun was blazing, and the heat was almost overwhelming, but that didn’t stop the crowds from gathering. The waterfront was packed with an impressive array of cars, trucks, and bikes, each one polished to perfection and ready to be admired.

I parked my Mustang in a prime spot, making sure it stood out among the sea of vehicles. The chrome gleamed, and the Velocity Blue paint seemed to glow under the relentless sun. It was one of those days where the heat was intense, but the excitement of the event kept everyone going.

As I walked around, I was amazed at the variety on display. There were classic muscle cars that took you back to the golden age of American automotive history, alongside modern supercars that looked like they’d just come off the racetrack. Trucks and bikes added to the mix, each one showcasing the unique personality of its owner. Every few steps, I found myself stopping to take a closer look or to chat with another enthusiast about their ride.

Despite the heat, everyone was in high spirits. It was the kind of event where you could spend hours just admiring the craftsmanship and passion that went into each vehicle. The sun may have been scorching, but the camaraderie and shared love for all things automotive made it all worthwhile.

By the end of the day, I was hot and tired, but it was worth it. Attending Wheels on the Waterfront was more than just about showing off my Mustang; it was about being part of a community that appreciates the art and power of these machines. As I drove home, the sun setting in the rearview mirror, I couldn’t help but think about how lucky I was to be able to participate in such an amazing event.

On July 20th, I pulled into Milford, DE, for the Take It To The Streets 2024 car show, organized by Modded Familia. The excitement in the air was palpable, with cars of every make and model gleaming under the summer sun. After everything my Mustang GT and I had been through, from the hours of detailing to the mishap on the Beltway, this show felt like a chance at redemption.

I parked my Mustang in the lineup, making sure it was angled just right to catch the light, showing off that Velocity Blue paint job. Walking around, I saw some incredible builds—each car was a testament to the passion and dedication of its owner. But even in such a crowd, I felt confident. My Mustang was more than just a car; it was the culmination of years of dreaming, months of searching, and countless hours of care.

As the day went on, I talked shop with other car enthusiasts, sharing stories and tips, all the while keeping an eye on the judges as they made their rounds. When it came time for the awards, I was both nervous and excited. The competition was fierce, and I knew that winning here would be a real achievement.

Then came the moment I’ll never forget. My name was called for one of the top 25 cars. I walked up to accept the trophy, feeling a surge of pride. It wasn’t just a win—it was validation of all the effort I’d put into this car, from finding it to bringing it back to perfection after that accident. Standing there with the trophy in hand, I couldn’t help but smile, knowing that my Mustang had truly earned its place among the best.

That day wasn’t just about the trophy; it was about being part of a community that shares the same passion and appreciation for these incredible machines. And as I drove home with the trophy riding shotgun, I couldn’t help but think about all the shows and adventures still to come.

I had been looking forward to the car show in Manassas, VA, on July 5th for weeks. With my 2019 Mustang GT freshly in my possession, I wanted to make sure it was absolutely flawless for the event. So, on the 4th of July, I dedicated three solid hours to detailing it—every inch of that Velocity Blue paint gleamed under the sunlight by the time I was done. The wheels sparkled, the interior was immaculate, and the car looked as stunning as the day it rolled off the lot. I couldn’t wait to show it off.

The morning of the show arrived, and I set out on the Beltway around Washington, D.C., with the anticipation of a great day ahead. The Mustang purred along, feeling as perfect as it looked. But as I navigated the heavy traffic, disaster struck. An 18-year-old kid who had been tailgating me didn’t stop in time, and before I knew it, I felt a jarring thud from behind. My heart sank as I pulled over to assess the damage. After all that work, my beautiful Mustang had been rear-ended.

It was frustrating beyond words. I had spent so much time getting the car ready, only to have it damaged just as I was about to enjoy the show. The next two weeks were agonizing as the Mustang sat in the shop, waiting to be repaired. Every day, I hoped for good news, and finally, it came—my car was ready. When I went to pick it up, I was relieved to see it looking as good as new. The shop had done an amazing job, and the Mustang was back to its flawless self.

In the end, while I missed that car show, the experience reinforced how much I love this car. It’s not just about the looks or the speed, but the journey—bumps and all—that makes owning this Mustang so rewarding. Now, I’m even more protective of it, knowing just how quickly things can change on the road.