At this stage, I’m unsure that there’s anything I can say about the Juicebox BBQ.

It’s merely one of many most interesting occasions I’ve coated anyplace on this planet, and is strictly what I consider actual automobile tradition to appear like. It’s natural; it’s not designed to line somebody’s pockets or improve their social media following; it’s welcoming; it’s pleasant; and options actual world, relatable automobiles.

In addition to all of this, what number of automobile occasions have you ever ever attended in your life that price nothing to attend and the organisers provide you with free meals and drinks as a thanks for coming alongside? I’d think about it’s a reasonably quick record.

At its most simple, the Juicebox BBQ is a gathering designed to be an appreciation for all of those that contribute to Irish automobile tradition. It’s a possibility for these individuals who won’t really feel comfy bringing their automobiles or tasks elsewhere to assemble with likeminded people. Let’s be trustworthy, whereas there’s actually an abundance of automotive occasions today, not all are equal.

It’s seemingly as a result of I’m near most of the Juicebox crew that I really feel significantly at house at these conferences. In saying that, I don’t suppose I’ve ever met an individual who didn’t take pleasure in an excellent BBQ.

As is commonly the best way with internet hosting occasions in Eire at any time of the 12 months, the climate may have ultimate say on the day. Whereas the rain blowing in from the North Atlantic swirled away for a lot of the day, it didn’t actually have any noticeable have an effect on on spirit or proceedings typically. For those who stay in Eire, you’re typically in a position to deal with the climate.

Maybe, possibly, the rain served as an additional high quality filter? You’ll discover that those that present up in these circumstances are all the time essentially the most dedicated.

I’ve made no secret of my waning ardour for automobile tradition during the last couple of years, so I hoped that this might be the spark to reignite issues. On the very least, I wished to spend a while truly having fun with the occasion, quite than worrying about if I’ve sufficient pictures or particulars from house owners.

I’ve attended each Juicebox BBQ through the years, however have all the time labored them. Positive, there are tougher and intensive jobs on the market, nevertheless it doesn’t change the truth that when you have got your working hat on, that you just don’t actually get to understand an occasion as a lot.

Whereas I had a digital camera with me (only a mirrorless physique and a single 50mm lens), I didn’t have the intention of protecting the BBQ for anybody however myself. I simply wished to shoot for enjoyable and with out the stress of any deliverables after the occasion, one thing I can’t bear in mind doing at any stage during the last decade or extra.

If you’re not attempting to pressure the matter, I feel you begin seeing extra. That is fairly apparent in hindsight, however once you’re consistently near one thing and within the weeds with it every day, apparent isn’t actually apparent.

Pottering round at my very own tempo and truly getting to have a look at and respect every thing was an absolute pleasure. A lot of these automobiles have been round for some time now, however you typically overlook simply how particular they’re. Over-exposure to an excellent factor will almost all the time lead to that.

There have been a few surprises as effectively, like this 1JZ-powered Toyota Cressida. A inventory inside, tough across the edges bodywork however an immaculately-prepared engine bay with some actually tidy fabrication work put a smile on lots of people’s faces.

An elevated variety of rotaries was welcome, too. This FD3S featured a triple-rotor 20B with a significantly giant turbocharger connected to it.

There was some much less apparent automobiles round as effectively, like this Corolla. These had been in every single place on Irish roads for a substantial a part of my life, after which all of them simply disappeared seemingly in a single day with the introduction of our Nationwide Automobile Take a look at. What was the epitome of an bizarre automobile when launched – and never an apparent alternative for modification – has been made into one thing that may put a smile in your face.

There was no scarcity of Japanese icons both. Eire remains to be very a lot retaining that golden period of late ’90s and early ’00s JDM fashion alive. Whereas Japan itself has advanced from that period, and the US has created its personal comparable however completely different fashion, I’m grateful to nonetheless be capable to see these automobiles like these, right now.

This period simply strikes the proper steadiness (for me) between fashion and efficiency. The automobiles look good static, however they appear even higher when sliding round or lighting up the native ring highway in the course of the midnight.

With that mentioned, it’s actually all in regards to the individuals concerned. I’ve all the time discovered that my cynicism ranges drop on the Juicebox BBQ, and that’s all the way down to the individuals who attend and who organise this occasion. There aren’t any egos, no nonsense, no drama, no bullsh*t. What extra are you able to ask for?

On the finish of the day, we’re all actually simply individuals lovers. Vehicles simply occur to be our chosen medium.

Paddy McGrath
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paddy@speedhunters.com