As the dry, sticky summer air settles like a blanket over Lenasia, another Friday evening begins. This is no ordinary Friday evening, however. It's Friday evening! While most residents of Lenasia are preparing to flock to the local cinema to watch a Bollywood film or enjoy an ice cream at "Milkylane", others are polishing their steel beauties or swapping their worn tires in their isolated garages. Lenasia is a predominantly Indian commune due to the apartheid regime; it has grown over the years into a thriving residential community with an emphasis on community and cultural activities, including dancing, carnivals, fun walks and religious celebrations. One of the cultures that Lenasia is known for is the one I am dedicated to; car culture. For us, the automobile is not only a means of moving from one place to another, it is a symbol. A symbol of expression; A symbol of indulgence; A symbol of identity… A symbol of our life. We find excuses to drive even if we have nowhere to go; we give it a name and express our deepest thoughts to it; we are emotionally damaged when it is scratched or marked; Its image is the wallpaper of our computer; We introduce him to our friends and family as if he were our girlfriend; We remember our birthday when we forget that of others. The industrial district, located on the southwest edge of Lenasia, is an energetic place filled with greasy trucks, factories, workshops, panel plants and scrapyards during business hours. At night, however, it becomes a no-man's land. Tonight, all this will change. Mechanics, accountants, plumbers, students, friends and even florists will all come together to celebrate our passion for the street machine. It's a desire and a desire that... middle of paper... at this point, I can't tell if it's all tangible or just an adrenaline-charged dream. Remembering almost nothing, I feel both excitement and relief for what just happened. seconds. All I know is tonight, after the race and the celebrations; I got my friends, my pride, my respect and my street cred back as we headed home at just 30 mph, which produced far too little adrenaline. Car enthusiasts are now starting to recognize me through my car. With this new community of car enthusiasts who share a common interest in the traditions, activities and rituals practiced in relation to their automobile, there would be no other place I would rather be than in my car in Lenasia a Friday evening. I can't wait to come back!