Salt Lake City, UT—After three years away, FuelFest literally roared back into Utah on August 16, 2025. Fans got everything the brand promises: rows of muscle, imports, exotics, and race cars; live drift action; a solid expo; and plenty of celebrity flair.

Celebrity Energy

FuelFest is the creation of actor Cody Walker, brother of the late Fast & Furious star Paul Walker. Proceeds support Paul’s Reach Out WorldWide (ROWW) disaster-relief nonprofit. Cody was everywhere—meeting fans, visiting booths, signing merch, and even tossing autographed gear into the crowd. 

On stage, Cody shared ROWW’s mission between DJ sets and live acts, including high-energy performances from celebrity artists like Bizzy Bone. Much of what came from the sound stage was not family-friendly, but the celebrity presence was undeniable.

Drift Demos & Ride-alongs

Utah’s top amateur drifters kept the tires smoking and engines roaring all day, with near-constant solo and multi-car runs. 

For $30, fans could helmet up and strap in for ride-alongs—a bucket-list thrill that drew lines for hours. 

Drivers like Chase Garrett (Scoundrels) and Tanner Walters (Down Under) loved the chance to wow big crowds. They also appreciated getting some of the proceeds to offset the high costs of drifting. Giving ride-alongs was especially inspiring: they got to provide what will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many participants and introduce a sport they love. 

For Chase, the Fast and Furious movies were one of his inspirations to start drifting, so he always loves doing FuelFest. 

Harley Stunt Shows

Adding to the controlled chaos, local Harley-Davidson club Team Hive Krew joined the party with tandem donuts, burnouts, and jaw-dropping wheelies—some so steep the riders were nearly vertical. One even patted the pavement mid-wheelie.

Expo & Vendors

Big names like Optima, O’Reilly, Sta-Bil/303, and Liqui Moly set up shop alongside local businesses, clubs, and race teams including Cannon Classic Cars, Cage Kits, and Air Power Racing.

Giveaways, displays, and plenty of car talk made the expo displays a crowd magnet.

The Cars

Of course, the heart of FuelFest is the cars on display. Fans saw everything from Fast & Furious legends—Dom’s black Charger R/T and Brian’s orange Mk IV Supra—to rally cars, open-wheel racers, and hardcore machines like Air Power Racing’s Porsche 911 and Lamborghini Super Trofeo. Imports, muscle, customs, and a “Taste of Tokyo” JDM hall with gems like a Nissan Skyline GT-R filled the grounds.

The best part? Meeting owners like Joshua Whaler, who proudly showed off his restored and modded ’77 Toyota Celica with original paperwork. Owners also brought rally cars, exotics, and some crazy-unique mods. 

The peoples’ choice award went to Alvaro Cruz’s pristine red Pontiac Firebird Trans Am—a well-deserved honor for a beautiful car. 

Bottom Line

FuelFest Salt Lake City promised a high-octane mix of cars, celebs, music, and drifting—and it delivered. Hopefully it won’t take another three years to come back.

© 2025, R Bairett