Dream to Driveway
The GR Supra, especially the manual, had always been a dream car for me. It was one of those “one day” goals that lived in the back of my mind for years. Then life happened… a move to the Midwest, new chapter, new opportunities, and suddenly a red Supra popped up locally in Nebraska. As a Chiefs fan, I took that as a sign from the universe. It was meant to be.
Before this car, I owned a blue GT86 that my wife and daughter lovingly named “Stitch,” after the little blue alien from Lilo & Stitch. That car was pure joy, lightweight, connected, and full of personality. When I sold it during the move, I didn’t realize how much I’d miss the feeling of driving something that made every trip an experience. I told myself someday I’d get the “big brother.”
So when the red Supra came into my life, the name was obvious: Leroy… Stitch’s mischievous, more powerful counterpart. It felt fitting. Same spirit… just evolved.
The original plan (as discussed with my wife… cough) was to keep it mostly stock and just enjoy it. But as any car enthusiast knows, visions start forming. A small mod here, another there… and before long the car began transforming into something that reflected my personality, a balance between performance, style, and the emotion of driving. For me, the build isn’t about chasing numbers; it’s about chasing a feeling.
I work hard in my career and life, so this car became part of my “work hard, play hard” philosophy…a reminder to enjoy the journey while you can.
To this day, every time I drive it, I’m smiling. I still catch people breaking their necks when they see it, and honestly… I probably do the same when I walk away and look back at it in a parking lot.
My favorite moment, though, is when my daughter says,
“Dad… one day this will be mine.”
And I always laugh and tell her,
“In your dreams…”
Because the truth is, it was mine once too.
What I wish I knew before starting?
Enjoy the car in every stage. Don’t rush the process chasing perfection. The build is part of the story and the memories you create along the way matter more than any modification.
At the end of the day, this Supra isn’t just a car.
It’s a dream realized… and a reminder that sometimes the things you imagine actually do become reality.
