Our fearless leader Paddy once said that you should always say yes to adventure, and the next batch of stories from me will show you what can happen if you follow this mantra.
It all started when a good friend invited me to come to Malaysia and check out this year’s Retro Havoc event. The event is well known in the Malaysian car community and annually draws crowds in from all over the wider Asia region.
Given that this would be my first trip to Malaysia, it really wasn’t going to take much arm twisting to get me to make the 5,131km (3,188mi) journey from Tokyo.
What Alie Kuoppa, the man behind Retro Havoc, would offer, though, did have me think twice before agreeing. You see, Alie had a few things in mind that I really wasn’t expecting.
When we normally travel to an overseas event we’re gone for only a few days before returning back to Earth and the regular grind, and ensuring that the stories captured are published in a timely manner.
This time, however, I was asked to stay for 10 days. You are probably thinking, ‘Wow, who would complain about going somewhere new, let alone for an extended period of time,’ and I admit, it does sound rather silly. But I’d be lying if I told you I wasn’t slightly apprehensive at first, it being my very first time in Malaysia.
But the thought of how much Speedhunting I could do in those 10 days quickly negated any doubts I had.
Not only would I have time to schedule some proper shoots throughout the trip – something that tends to be a bit difficult when there’s a flight to catch straight after an event has ended – but I’d also be able to soak up some of the rich culture Malaysia has to offer.
10 days of experience things I never would have imagined, including behind-the-scenes access to one of the biggest television broadcasting stations in Malaysia while the joys of classic Japanese cars were discussed on a morning show.
And making a cross-country trip north in a S30 and AE86 to experience even more Malaysian car culture.
To say that a lot happened in these 10 days would be an understatement, but now that I’ve properly recovered from the lack of sleep I’m excited to show you all the things I was able to discover on this trip.
This includes track days, private collections, underground gatherings and more – all done the Malaysian way.
This is why you always say yes to adventure.
Ron Celestine
Instagram: celestinephotography
Can't wait to see/read the rest of the pix and stories!
Thank you! Can't wait to put everything all together in the coming days!
That a31 and SW20 are amazing
They really were something else!
We need more details on that BRE Cefiro!
It's coming^^
This is Malaysia...we need more food shots!!
Seeeee what had happened was I ate the food before taking pictures lol. Was just too good!
Oh yes! Speedhunters and Foodhunters go hand-in-hand like cheese and wine. LOL! XD
Bring it on, please help us cope with Election blues hahah!!
Oh man I've heard so much about that while I was there I'll do my best to help everyone out!
As someone who lives on the other side of the causeway, I'm envious of your car culture
My family is from KL and we make it back to Malaysia every few years. I'm totally stoked to read these articles!
And yes the food game is mind bending. Would not be opposed to seeing Roti Canai, Masi Lemak!
Malaysia is nice and I really want to go there
But keeping a car so expensive way over USA standards
OH.MY.GOD... that BRE Cefiro just blew my fraking mind.
Wow sounds like you having an amazing adventure in Malaysia, I always dreaming of going to one of those Malaysian event.
And yes Malaysian Food is good, Indonesian might be better but hey I don't complained.
PS: What's the story behind the Sierra? Is that an actual Group A car or a tribute by someone there?
sounds like a really fun adventure and really great pics
Dude, that 240z in the second pic looks pure as hell
sorry, the 4th pic*. The one with the grey fd xD
im biased but that red gtr32 looks awesome!