While not exactly a big-name tuning house like HKS or TRUST/GReddy, Car Shop GLOW is one of the most liked and respected companies in Japan. Based in the suburbs just outside of Tokyo, it's basically a mom-'n'-pop-style shop/office with enough space to cram in two project cars and a few employees. It is there where owner Yukimitsu Hara and his team develop the LED light kits they've become widely known for around the world, but it's also where they develop competitive Time Attack cars, a passion each and every one of them share. We had the great pleasure of hanging out with them during our last trip to Japan, and you can read about their two latest demo cars in the February '18 issue ofSuper Street.
During our quick visit, we were able to link up with Ken Suzuki from Car Shop GLOW, who has spearheaded most of the company's global relations. He's been a regular visitor to U.S. car shows and meets and has developed many friendships, including one with the folks from Final Form USA (https://finalformusa.com). Together with Falken Tire, the industry partners united to host a one-off car meet at the Holler Brewing Company in Houston, Texas.
With one of Japan's sickest shops comin' to town, it was a given that the hottest JDM-inspired cars of Texas would come out to support. But when you plan an outdoor car meet months in advance, you're gambling with the elements. Mother Nature didn't cooperate and rain came down hard during the entire meet. Despite this, the local scene still rolled out in a big way to meet 'n' greet Ken, show off their rides, and pick up some of Car Shop GLOW's latest goodies at a discount.
Some standouts from the meet included Nathan Vosburg's RWB "Kana" Porsche 911 (@natevos), Patrick Cambel's Series 10 FR-S (@lucky_frs), and Daniel Ou's VQ35DETT-powered Datsun 240Z (@dandanbeasting). We noticed a couple out-of-towners who showed up, such as the East Coast's Andy Lin and his RX-7 (@resuper7) as well as Tito Perez (@titococoloso) from El Paso, a 10-hour drive away.
