Driven Calgary - May 6, 2017

Yes, yes, I know. Driven Calgary was a week ago. But due to my upcoming pharmacy licensing exams this hasn't been a writeup I've been clamoring to do. However, on this rainy Saturday afternoon a few hours before the 780Tuners Season Opener, I think it's a perfect time to do complete a blog post.

Having experienced Driven in Edmonton last August, I was familiar with the event. However, Calgary's Event, held at the University of Calgary's Olympic Oval, felt much larger in scale. Edmonton's felt more like an underground car meet, whereas Calgary's feels like a large aftermarket show (think scaled down SEMA or TAS). Either way, I'm not complaining, but it goes to show how much of a difference a venue can make.

Completely filled to the brim with modified cars

I should also mention that this trip was a quick weekend drive down to Calgary with two good friends of mine, Brandon and Kevin. For me, it was all about the cars. For them, it was more tagging along and enjoying Calgary's food scene (which I also greatly appreciate). Needless to say, I was wandering around the venue far longer than they were.

Cleanest DC2 Integra Type R I've ever seen. Beautiful blue color and wheel fitment

One of the coolest booths was that of First Gear Imports, an Edmonton-based shop that specializes in JDM cars and parts. Heard great things about them and they were at Driven in full force with a few very cool cars.

Widebody 3IS on Works Meisters (?). Never seen a widebody 3IS before and this one was mint

Leo, the owner of First Gear, brought his Varis Widebody FR-S

There was also this Toyota Chaser that had the most unique interior at the show. Now, I enjoy anime as much as the next person (or maybe more) but this is some serious dedication to his waifus. The guy knows what he likes. Respect.

Pretty VIP fitment for someone who (I believe) drove from BC

There's also a YouTube video of this car as well on Roads Untravelled, so if the car piques your interest, go check it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xfn8Nth-IxQ&t=227s

Slammed E36 with roof rack? Yes please. This was one of my favorite cars. Just so clean and the O.Z. Racing wheels work perfectly

One thing that the show did not skimp out on was the number of insanely built S-Chassis'. I mean sure, they're a popular platform in general, but man some people are really taking it to the next level.

Aggressive enough?? Rocket Bunny S15 with a massive Battle Aero Chassis Mount Wing

No Bumper + Diffuser = Weight Reduction + Downforce bruh. Some meaty rear tires too!

Deep dish and rear rad? Never seen this setup before

Clean and no bolt on overfenders. I can respect that

Chan at the 403 Media booth with his static S13

Oh and if we're talking about the S-Chassis we can't forget about LOWCALS, a Calgary-based YouTube Channel with some sick cars. They were out in full force as ambassadors for Driven 2017 and brought some sweet rides (Charles' R33 was notably absent, sadly).

Jesse's Mk IV Supra. Probably my favorite Lowcals car

Can't figure out if I like the wheel choice or the stretch on the tires, but it is very well executed.

BMWs also had a huge presence at the show, with many quality cars.

We also can't forget the Lost Royaty Crew, which has been growing and expanding at break neck pace over the past few years. This year at Driven, they took home 2 best in class awards, as well as best crew. Fantastic effort from one of my favorite car crews. Also of note, Mila G was not there and I was sorely disappointed. Maybe next time...

Birdy's Rallybacker FR-S has evolved so much every year. Now supercharged and on some deep dish custom Avant Gardes. Mean machine

Steven's Varis Widebody STi, one of the winners of best in class

Gerick's Rocket Bunny RC350, the other winner of best in class

Derpy/Simon's Rocket Bunny FR-S with great presence as always. Not sure how he keeps it in such great condition considering how many trips between BC and AB he makes

Cozy looking cockpit with some custom mounted gauges

Bagged Liberty Walk G37. Jerry's car is a neck breaker

Japanese Nostalgic Cars of Alberta (mouthful, I know) also had a booth showing off some more vintage JDM metal.

Mark III Supra!! Super cool because it was the first car I bought in the original Gran Turismo...and the proceeded to spin it out on every corner of the Sunday Cup

This 240Z was also a favorite of mine. Those slightly pulled fenders are magic

At this point I'm already shocked at how many cars there were and how many photos I've taken. This show was (by my standards) massive.

The engine was dressed up nicely on this Genesis. The paintwork was top notch and the bay was clean enough to eat out of

Absoutely mental Alpha 9 GT-R with what I believe is a Varis widebody kit. Wet dreams were had

While we're on the subject of mental, how about Kanji's BRZ? Cutting up Chargespeed carbon fibre front fenders not enough? How about put some Aimgain overfenders on top, and then wrapping the car in 2 different colors. Definition of extra

Aggressive R32. Love the kit and the stance of this car

Natsy made an appearance as well! Love the livery, very unique. Ended up taking a picture of her battered front lip though, my bad

Slammed S5. I'm a fan of this photo in general, probably one of the few where I had decent composition

Bryan's Rocket Bunny FR-S with the livery

Berry's Varis Widebody FR-S is always a pleasant sight to see

I'll finish off this post with probably the most unexpected car at the show. A complete unicorn that I honestly don't think I'd ever be able to see in real life.

Driven Calgary was a great experience. It was great to be able to take a weekend off from studying and just go out and enjoy myself. Driven Calgary was a well run event and I had tons of fun. Maybe I'll make the drive to Driven Vancouver, or hold off until Edmonton's in August. Only time will tell. Thanks for checking out the blog.

Cheers,

Gary