For the Love of Car Culture!

First of all, I want to start by thanking the Man above for the blessings in my life and my wife for supporting my ambitious ideas!

Here on Guam, cars are more than just a way to get around, they’re a vibrant part of local identity and community, so it should come as no surprise that CLN shares this passion.

The island’s love affair with automobiles blends practicality with passion, as we customize trucks, lowriders, imports and tuners to reflect our personal style and cultural pride.

From weekend meet-ups at the Guam’s Raceway to impromptu gatherings in parking lots, over the decades, car enthusiasts have bonded over shared interests, whether it’s engine mods, sleek paint jobs, or custom sound systems, etc. it’s what drives us.

These events were social hubs where generations connect, with older gear-heads sharing stories of classic builds while younger enthusiasts showcase cutting-edge trends.

Beyond mechanics and aesthetics, car culture on Guam fosters unity.

Even the Chamoru tradition of chenchule' (community support) finds its way into car culture, as friends pitch in to help with repairs or rally around a neighbor in need.

I knew we needed to be a bigger part of this. It was time to get back to our roots and support our community that we’ve missed for far too long!

It started as a casual conversation with my friend Jun about the idea of bringing a respected YouTuber to Guam to serve as a guest judge for his 2025 FX Elites Car Show (CLNest Build Category).

I wanted them to come and help us highlight Guam’s unique and passionate car culture, but it soon evolved into something more, something truly meaningful for our island and its automotive community.

In true Jun fashion, skeptical but intrigued, he responded with a simple, “That’d be cool”, having no idea who I had in mind.

From there, I was on a mission.

I attended Tokyo Auto Salon (TAS) 2025 with one goal in mind; connect with Dino Dalle Carbonare, aka Dino DC on YouTube, and secure the vision.

As I made my way through the event, I kept my eyes peeled for the tall Italian in white-framed glasses, a baseball cap and a camera in hand. I spotted him a mile away.

I walked up, introduced myself and where I’m from and posed the question. To my surprise, it was easier than I expected.

Dino, ever chill and humble, was immediately receptive. He said he’d love to come out to Guam and document our car culture.

After securing the opportunity and working out the details, I caught up with Dino again at Wekfest Japan to get a better idea what he’ll be looking for when judging the CLNest build.

Upon returning home, I sat down with Jun at 105GU, an amazing restaurant and Guam’s life hub here on island and casually dropped Dino DC’s name.

His reaction, which was equal parts surprise and excitement, confirmed it... we were definitely moving in the right direction.

Before we knew it Dino was here.

Did he know what to expect? Probably not, but we showed him everything we had to offer; past, present and future.

I knew that when he came he’d find more than just impressive builds to pass judgment on, but that he’d discover a whole culture where cars tell stories of resilience, creativity and community.

I also knew his coverage would shine a spotlight on how locals blend JDM influences with local flair, turning parking lots into galleries and races into celebrations of shared heritage.

By featuring grassroots meets, interviews with builders, or even a documentary-style look at how car clubs rally around local causes, DinoDC could amplify Guam’s unique automotive identity to a global audience.

Such exposure wouldn’t just validate the island’s car enthusiasts; it could also spark conversations about Guam’s broader cultural and political visibility.

What I didn't know was the impact the conversations on and off island might have days, weeks or even months from now thanks to this kind of content.

Imagine a viral video where a modified Toyota Tacoma draped in the Guam flag becomes a symbol of pride, or where a political candidate’s appearance at a car show highlights how elected officials can engage authentically with younger voters.

For a community often overlooked in mainstream media, this kind of recognition would prove that Guam’s car culture isn’t just a hobby, it’s a heartbeat and one that's never stopped pumping.

You can watch the videos Dino created below.

A huge Si Yu’us Ma’åse’ to Dino and Alec for dedicating their time and creativity to document this potentially pivotal moment for Guam.

Their storytelling captured not just the heart of our car culture, but a larger message, that we must bridge the gap between street culture and government policy, and that the time is now to restore Guam’s raceway.

Guam is a place where the ocean can feel isolating, but cars create a rolling, roaring reminder that no one drives alone.

As politicians prepare to seek our votes in the 2026 elections, the island’s car culture offers a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between leaders and the communities they serve.

Our elected officials need tap into this passion by hosting town halls at car meets, sponsoring charity cruises to discuss local issues, or even participating in “show-and-share” events where voters showcase their vehicles while candidates listen to their concerns.

These informal, culturally rooted settings break down barriers, transforming political outreach from stiff speeches into genuine conversations.

Maybe a candidate might engage young voters by joining a tuner meet to talk about infrastructure needs for safer roads, reinvigorating the raceway or connect with elders at a classic car show to address healthcare access.

By meeting constituents where they already gather - literally and figuratively - leaders can demonstrate that they value Guam’s traditions while steering policy in a direction that reflects the people’s priorities.

Just as car culture thrives on collaboration, so too can democracy when officials ride alongside their community, not ahead of it. We ask them to support the return of a space that brings pride, value and purpose to our island.

This initiative was never just about cars; it was about culture, connection and community. Isn't that something we can all drive towards? And, trust me, this is only the beginning!

A big thank you to 105Life, CarAudio Image, StreetSmart671 and Alpha Studios for doing what you guys do for Guam car culture!

P.S. Don’t forget to watch, like, and subscribe to @DinoDC and his second channel @OnlyDino and not forgetting @noplansco on YouTube.

We Are Culturally Livin Natives.