I bought my 2019 Ford Fiesta ST for the sole purpose of being a winter car. On the plus side, for me at least, it already had a full exhaust with a cat-delete and an intake. As I started modifying it, I wanted it to handle better. Well, after owning it for 1 winter, I started Autocross about 7 months after buying it. With that being my first ever racing events, I was addicted.
I started with wheels, tires and a cheap set of coilovers, which I still have and need to be replaced before next season lol. Suspension isn’t cheap!
I started adding small parts like a Mishimoto intercooler, 1.5° rear camber plates, and some TB Performance braces. I ALSO completely removed the rear seats and brackets. After the first couple events, I changed from street tires to Falken RT660’s which shaved off seconds. It was night and day! This is how I ran the car for the most of my second season of Autocross, in 2025.
Come mid-December 2025, I quit my good paying job because of how poorly we were managed, but also a few new fears unlocked from close calls and some of the things you see.
I sold my townhome and moved in with a buddy who let me take over his garage to create content for YouTube and socials. It’s something I started around the time I started racing.
So now it’s 2026, and I’m creating content mostly focused on the Fiesta ST. Well now I have an Autopower Rear Roll cage, 180° Thermostat, a tune, and no A/C (aside from under the dash components because that’s a lot of work if I’m being honest). I have Corbeau front seats with NEG Harnesses for both. My absolute favorite parts on the car are the hood and fender vents. Instead of spending money on vents that are already made, I took 1.5mm thick aluminum sheets, drew out a template, cut, sandblasted and powder coated them. All done in a 2 stall garage.
With all the learning from constant failing, it is a very humbling experience creating content. The only things I haven’t touched or ever taken apart is the engine and transmission. Everything else I have decent confidence working on. But with a low budget, you work with what you have and save where you can. Stay humble, stay focused. You have to start to finish.
