With the 2018 season upon us, there was an announcement from the Driven organizers that the stops would include Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver, Edmonton, Winnipeg, and lastly Saskatoon. The last show I was able to attend was in 2016 in Calgary but I was excited for this year as the Driven stop in Edmonton had a date change to June 23rd.
Armed with only my Canon 6D and trusty 135L lens I parked my car and headed towards the crowds. Upon arrival at Grant Macewan University, just looking around the side streets you could tell something was going on in the area as modified cars were scattered wherever a parking spot was available. Meanwhile, underground was where the true action was unfolding. Tokyo Drift had been a description to this event from previous years and to be honest I was skeptical. Walking past the access of the underground parking I caught a glimpse of what was lurking behind the walls with a bright orange lowered Dually truck hardparked. As I was informed to head to the spectator’s entrance, I saw a crowd of people around a GTR that was setup with a dyno for SSS Motorsports and I heard the rumble of a couple stereos that were demoing for the crowds.
There were a few heavy hitters in attendance including this orange Rocket Bunny s15.
There were even a few classic Datsuns in attendance that caught my eye, including this Datsun 1500 convertible and also several Hakosuka Skylines
I always enjoy seeing modified Honda Ruckus’ and there were a couple of nice examples underground.
I had never been to this underground version of the popular show and the organizers did a great job having some DJ’s in attendance in strategic spots as well as a dance off where competitors could show everyone what they could do. This guy was in the zone and demonstrated to the crowd that he had the moves to compete.
Another feature vehicle was this unique Mazda R100 that had a dually wheel setup in the back. To my knowledge, this car has won at all of the Driven events so far this season and it doesn’t disappoint.
This G35 was slammed on air and sported some nice Work Vs-xx.
Making the trek from Saskatchewan, This Honda Civic took home the top prize of best Stance car in attendance.
Slammed on Work Meister S1 3 piece
All import manufacturers were represented ranging from Nissan, Honda, Mazda, Infiniti, Subaru, and Mitsubishi. There were even some exotics and some RWB Porsches.
Tucked away in the corner was a blacked out 370Z on Advan Rs-d’s. In the interior was a clean stereo install with some JL Audio subs
A Pandem Nissan GTR R32 graced the parking lot near the dance off area.
My old Mr2 seemed to draw in a few spectators with some new engine bay mods and still sporting the classic bronze Advan Model 5’s. Several years have passed since I sold the Toyota and it still looks just as good.
EZ Motorsports came back from the dead and had the MOMO Civic and a small pocket bike showcasing what they had to offer for mobile entertainment while playing some old school Fast and the Furious movies.
The lighting was perfect for this Nissan 240 that was on the far side. Most of the action was near the entrance but there were some nice builds hidden in the back.
Usually the Honda S2000 platform has a contingency of entries at Driven, varying from mild to wild and this grey version checked off alot of boxes for the judges. Voltex, Volk TE37’s, Mugen and carbon fibre completed the package. LRD VDR has undergone various looks over the years and this version is the complete package.
Air ride and BBS wheels are all a Euro car needs sometimes to stand out in the crowd and there were some fine examples at Driven including a purple Audi TT on Rotiform wheels and a BMW 740i slammed VIP style.
There were a couple of trucks at Driven with this slammed Dually underground and this lifted truck outside with a wild paint job showcasing villains from Batman.
RWB represented with 3 different renditions of Porsche.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse used to be more mainstream but seemed to disappear from the tuning scene so I was surprised to see this widebody version at the show. It looks like the owner had the Rocket Bunny designer sign the dash.
The Godzilla figurine caught my eye as I walked by the well known Varis Kamikaze R35.
Legit Society had a few members in attendance.
No show is complete without a Liberty Walk GTR.
I was impressed how this drift car was cleaned up for the event. It represented Zestino tires and was a good ambassador for the Spec D competition.
Everyone recognizes this Rocket Bunny 240. I recently saw some original build photos of this car and it has had quite the transformation over the years. A Voltex wing and Work Vs-xx help to complete the look.
This 350Z owner decided to transplant an RB25DET Neo motor typically from a Skyline. The process may not be easy and the costs can rise but the enjoyment when completed is priceless.
Avery’s 350Z has undergone a few transformations over the years with most recently this color changing wrap and custom finished Work VS-kf’s
Driving up from Calgary, the owner of this slammed Subaru was competing for best Stance car at the show. Yet another vehicle with Work wheels.
An R34 with some cool carbon accents and Volk TE37’s. I personally like his old Work Meister S1 3 piece setup but you can never go wrong with bronze on blue.
This photo sums up events usually when you are trying to have some clean coverage without people all over the place. I always try to do my best to stay out of the way of other photographers but sometimes it is tough.
Unfortunately, I have not had an opportunity to attend many events this year but I am certain to make time for Driven Edmonton again in 2019. The car culture in Edmonton is still alive and well. While bolt on widebody kits are still showcased on quite a few vehicles it is nice to see some owners have retained the oem bodylines and added some mild modifications for some simple and clean builds. At the end of the day, you need to build and modify your ride for yourself and no one else. Individuality Uncompromised.
Ryoko Kings 