We spoke to three certified Boy (and Girl) Racers to find out about their passion for cars, where the passion comes from and what the car modding scene is all about. We also wanted to find out if there is any truth in some of the negative stereotypes attached to the scene.

Introducing Becca, Gary and Kyle…

Firstly, tell me what cars you have and any modifications you’ve made?

Becca: I have a VW Polo 86c Breadvan, 1993. It’s just quirky, it’s got a ridiculously slow engine but it runs so sweet that I feel bad replacing it, although I do plan to!

Gary: I own a Fiesta ST. It’s had quite a bit done to it including smoothed bumpers, lowered suspension, strut brace, stripped out interior… the list goes on!

Kyle: I have a Mk1 Ford Focus RS and am most proud of its all round performance, mainly on the track. It’s my second car so is mostly for weekend/show/track use. I don’t think it will ever be finished!

How did you get into cars in the first place?

Gary: My dad used to tell me about some of the cars he used to have like his Mini Cooper S that was capable of kicking the arse out of a Porsche!

Becca: I’ve always loved the aesthetics of cars, the first car I can remember truly falling in love with was a Saab 900 Turbo when I was about 11. I’ve always been one to customise or try to improve on things I already have, from clothes, to hair colour to body mods, it was just a natural progression with something I already loved.

How important is working on the car yourself?

Becca: It’s REALLY important to me to work on my own car, even if I have help. There’s an awful stereotype with girls that they are only into cars because of their boyfriends or that they don’t do any of the work themselves and it’s so wrong! I don’t think I could ever buy a modified car myself; I’d hate to not start off with a blank canvas.

Gary: I try and do a lot of work myself as it a lot cheaper plus half the fun of modifying is doing as much as you can yourself!

Where do you find out about new kit or what’s going on in the scene?

Gary: Mainly word of mouth and Facebook groups but also through magazines like Fast Ford and Fast Car.

Becca: A bit of everything really. Mostly online – forums are pretty dead now and everyone uses Facebook and Instagram, either that or through stands at car shows etc.

Do you go out with convoys much?

Becca: Generally my lot avoid convoys, as with any young group, you always get the few who want to show off and act like idiots. We always convoy to shows though, it’s always at about 50mph instead of 60mph so everyone can keep up and nobody ends up racing or getting left behind.

Kyle: Not as often as I’d like. We will tend to go for a drive to a location such as a pub for a meal and then drive back, often via a scenic route. We do drive down to Le Mans every year to watch the 24 Heures du Mans, which is a fantastic experience for petrol heads and race fans.

Gary: Convoys are organised online nowadays. They used to be all word of mouth but now tech has taken over. Convoys and cruises could be anywhere and tend to be kept secret until last-minute to try and avoid unwanted attention. It’s all about having fun and socialising. Whether it’s racing drifting or just chilling. To really get what it’s all about you need to go to one and be open-minded.

Do you identify yourself as a Boy Racer?

Gary: No. Just because you own a modified car does not make you a Boy Racer. We don’t all go as fast as we can everywhere. 99% of modified car owner’s care more about their cars and licenses than anything else so wouldn’t risk both by driving like d***s everywhere.

Kyle: I dislike the term Boy Racer, and wouldn’t identify with that myself or with any of my friends. I tend to associate oy Racers, with loud, aftermarket body-kitted cars and sound systems. Yes my car can be loud but I have intentionally chosen the quietest aftermarket exhaust as I want it for the performance not the noise. The sound system is totally standard and will remain that way.

Becca: I don’t identify myself as that, but I do realise most ‘non-car’ people probably do. I prefer being known as a car enthusiast – racing should be kept to tracks! I think all car enthusiasts do have quite a bad rep with the general public because of the few who do go racing round the streets and smash stuff up – but it’s more that they’re more identifiable as being in a modified car than the idiots who go racing round the streets in standard cars! I sometimes feel like I have to make extra effort when I’m driving to give way to others, let people cross the road or pull out round parked cars, and always say thank you and sorry to make up for the bad reputation people with modified cars have – and I always try to smile at anyone who looks at my car!

Finally, does your sound system bang?

Gary: Not really, got a small sub that’s about it. My car is more focused towards performance.

Becca: It did, but my sub stopped working and then so did my stereo – so need to get them sorted ASAP!

Kyle: No! Heavy bass is the last thing you want ruining your Lionel Richie – Back to Front album.