Hobbies & Special Interest
Auto, Boat, Air
Chris Lee and Cody Walker’s love of cars was ignited years before they could even hold a driver’s license. But seven years ago, they turned what started as their childhood passion into a booming business.
Their company FuelFest is a modern iteration of the great American car show, which celebrates the evolution of automotive technologies with top-modified, performance-built, and rare cars from all over the world. Featuring jaw-dropping showcases, live drifting, and drag racing, they also blend in celebrities, live music, food, drinks, and art for a truly unique event.
“It is always a priority for our team to keep FuelFest fresh,” says Global Marketing & Operations Director Randal Smothers. “We keep a close eye on the industry, we talk to our audience, and we use the strengths and ideas of our individual team members to grow every single show.
“We want our fans to have a new experience at every FuelFest, and I love that challenge and the creativity it brings out,” says Randal, noting that FuelFest has a strong fan retention rate as a result.
“Our goal is to deliver joy, it's as simple as that,” he adds.
FuelFest’s work is also incredibly personal for Cody, as it also raises money for the nonprofit Reach Out WorldWide, which was founded by his late brother – the Fast & Furious actor Paul Walker – to help respond to global natural disasters.
With Paul having heavily influenced his love of cars, Cody has carried on his brother’s legacy, and it is predicted that by 2030, FuelFest will have surpassed the $1.5 million mark for total funds raised for Reach Out WorldWide.
