Leroi's Windshield

Sometimes I catch myself thinking: why on earth didn’t I document things properly back then? Today, all I have left are memories and a handful of questionable-quality photos. Speaking of memories, my first track day was back in 2012, driving none other than a 1965 Buick Wildcat . Yes, it’s exactly that car in this low-resolution photo. An amazing car, but one that left its marks... or rather, cracks. Yes, on that epic day, the Buick ended up with two cracks on the windshield due to the body flexing. And guess what? Those cracks are still there today, like battle scars. My lap time? A staggering 2’10” — but who cares? The glory was mine, and mine alone. Since then, I’ve lost track of how many cars I’ve thrown onto the racetrack asphalt. From Stock Light V8s to a Cadillac Eldorado , and including a Mustang Bullitt , Mustang Mach 1 , Del Rey , Honda Civic SI , Chevrolet Monza , Sandero RS , Mitsubishi Lancer , race-tuned Corsa , and even a Peugeot 2008 . It doesn’t matter the car — ...

It’s been quite some time since I started giving my beloved Opala a well-deserved overhaul. This loyal companion has been with me for no less than 25 years. The problem with being a car enthusiast (and accumulating a small fleet) is that every single one of them always has something that needs fixing. It’s like running a mechanical daycare: fix one’s issue, and another starts crying. The Opala, for instance, had some classic issues of a car that doesn’t enjoy sitting idle: a broken hood cable and a burnt-out headlight. Fortunately, those problems have been resolved today. A point for my patience (and the nearest auto parts store). Despite the repairs, the Opala is still in probation. I have a bold idea in mind: a road trip to the Northeast. I haven’t set dates, routes, cities, or states yet. In other words, the trip is a dream for next year, but for now, I’m content with short escapes and plenty of rides around Goiânia. And you know what? The car is sti...

The Year 2024 Is Almost Over Here I am, on December 30, 2024, at the office, using my lunch break to philosophize about life... and the road, of course. Between one task and another, my mind has already drifted toward that endless horizon. It’s inevitable: years of escaping to the road whenever I can. I love my job, but let’s be honest: work obligations are very different from exploration. If I could do only what I love in my profession, I wouldn’t be studying how to meet the latest government requirements. I’d be, I don’t know, exploring the world with a roaring V8 engine behind me. But back to what matters: the destination is set. Next month, I’m heading to Uruguay. I’ve invited a few friends, and I’ll meet others along the way. Who knows how long my spirit will keep this urge to roam? But as long as I have health and fuel in the tank, bring on the roads. My garage is my little paradise, full of dreams on wheels. And there’s no such thing as “show cars” here: al...

The Beginning of the Quest for the Car and the Rally It’s been a few years since I first heard about the Mongol Rally . If you don’t know what it is yet, get ready to discover one of the most challenging and iconic automotive adventures in the world. This epic rally starts in Europe and heads all the way to Mongolia—though some editions finish in the exotic Ulan Ude, Russia. The concept of the Mongol Rally is magical. Imagine crossing dozens of countries, diving into different cultures, and tackling challenging terrains while driving a car that barely inspires confidence. For me, it’s the perfect definition of adventure. And you know what’s even cooler? The routes are completely open! Each participant chooses their own path (or misadventure, depending on their adventurous spirit). Rules? Sure, but not really... There are a few basic rules to ensure chaos and fun. The car must have an engine no larger than 1 liter. In special cases, it can go up to 1...