By Paul Salfen, Christine Thompson for AMFM Magazine
In a high-octane Zoom conversation that crackled with laughter, nostalgia, and pure passion, Fast & Furious star Tyrese Gibson and Paul Walker’s brother Cody Walker sat down to preview one of the most anticipated automotive celebrations of the year: FuelFest returning to Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
Gates open from 1–8 PM at 3545 Lone Star Circle, with tickets starting at $35 and kids 12 and under getting in free. This isn’t just another car show—it’s a full-throttle fusion of custom builds, live drifting, music, wrestling, and community that honors Paul Walker’s legacy while delivering unforgettable vibes.
The “Michael Jackson Thriller” of Car Culture
Tyrese didn’t hold back when describing the electric atmosphere of FuelFest events: “It feels like the Michael Jackson Thriller because it’s just people coming from out of nowhere… It’s like a bat signal gets sent up in the sky.” He painted a vivid picture of fans driving hours to attend, cars rolling in from everywhere, and an energy that’s impossible to replicate.
Cody, who founded FuelFest in 2018 as a tribute to his late brother Paul, echoed that excitement. Now in its eighth year with global stops from Los Angeles to Tokyo and Qatar, the Dallas-Fort Worth edition promises to be massive. Over 700 custom, exotic, rare, and exclusive cars and trucks will fill the grounds, alongside professional drifting demonstrations, fan ride-alongs, and the all-new Lucha Libre Wrestling—high-flying masked luchadores bringing theatrical flair to the speedway.
New this year: the C4 Energy Taste of Tokyo showcase, channeling Japanese underground car meet energy, plus the People’s Choice Paddock where fans judge standout builds for a crown on the Festival Stage. The Fitment Industries drift pits give spectators up-close access to the machines, while the SPARQ Festival Stage hosts live music sets. Toyota Gazoo Racing is bringing gas-powered drift karts for fans to rip around on, adding even more adrenaline.
Tyrese, ever the showman, laughed about how these events activate his “inner child” at 47: “I’m embarrassed with how much fun I’m having… standing on top of cars. It’s just crazy, man.” He credited Cody with dragging him into the FuelFest family, but it’s clear both men are all-in on the chaos.
More Than Cars: A Party with Purpose
Beneath the horsepower and hype runs a deeper current. FuelFest isn’t just about the builds—it’s about family, inclusivity, and giving back. Cody shared how the event brings together gearheads and casual enthusiasts alike in a space where “car culture is a universal language.” No matter your background or level of involvement, everyone connects over the passion.
The proceeds support Reach Out WorldWide (ROWW), the nonprofit Paul Walker founded in 2010 after the Haiti earthquake. Paul saw a gap in skilled disaster response and created ROWW to fill it. After his passing, Cody and the family have carried the torch. Through FuelFest, the car community has helped raise over $750,000 (rapidly approaching $1 million) for relief efforts in places like Asheville, NC; Englewood, FL after hurricanes; Los Angeles wildfires; Lahaina, Hawaii; Jamaica; and more.
Cody, who worked as a paramedic before FuelFest, spoke from the heart: “I just want to make things better than the way that I found it… If I can positively impact somebody, that’s what this is all about.” He recalled Paul’s simple mantra: “Be good.” Tyrese added his own perspective on living fully in the moment, noting how life’s unpredictability makes events like this—and the charity work—meaningful.
Both men opened up about personal “Hail Mary” moments. For Tyrese, his 30-year career launched from a 30-second commercial and still feels like daily Christmas. For Cody, becoming a father to three beautiful children tops everything. Their shared mindset? Stay humble, stay driven, and never take the blessings for granted.
What to Expect on April 25
- Massive Car Show with People’s Choice judging
- Live Drifting & Fan Ride-Alongs
- Lucha Libre Wrestling (brand new for 2026)
- SPARQ Festival Stage with live music
- Taste of Tokyo JDM showcase
- Fast & Furious movie cars and special appearances
- VIP Experiences with lounge access, early entry, merch, and more
- Sponsors including Gazoo Racing, Meguiar’s, C4 Energy, Fitment Industries, Liqui Moly, and others
Tyrese and Cody personally extended the invitation: “Dallas and surrounding cities… Houston’s not that far. Take the road trip. Pull up.” They emphasized the family-friendly side—kids get in free, and Cody’s team provides Gatorade and water for everyone.
As the 25th anniversary of The Fast and the Furious approaches, the duo hinted at merging the worlds of FuelFest and the franchise even more throughout the year. “The fans have decided that this is their franchise,” Tyrese noted. “It’s family.”
Don’t Miss It—Be Part of the Legacy
Whether you’re a die-hard JDM fan, muscle car enthusiast, drift junkie, or just looking for a fun day out with the family, FuelFest delivers an experience like no other. It’s cars as art, culture as connection, and community as charity.
Register your ride, grab tickets at www.FuelFest.com, and get ready for the bat signal. As Tyrese put it: “Wipe that car down, dust it off, put some Armor All on the tires… and let’s go, man. It’s time.”
FuelFest isn’t just an event. It’s a movement—powered by passion, steered by family, and driven by the memory of Paul Walker. See you at Texas Motor Speedway on April 25. The engines are revving, the lights are on, and the Thriller is about to begin.
For more on FuelFest and Reach Out WorldWide, visit fuelfest.com and roww.org. Follow on social media for updates and surprise guest announcements.
AMFM Magazine™ — Where Automotive Culture Meets Lifestyle.
