Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabby Downing.
Hi Gabby, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started my career of being a high fashion model at 15. I was dedicated and driven to be successful. I traveled the world living in the most iconic places such as New York City, Bangkok, Miami, and much more. I walked the runway during New York’s fashion week. After a decade of magazines and walking the runway, I hung up my heels because the glamorous high fashion world didn’t make me happy. After that, I went to college to pursue an engineering degree while serving tables and finding my path.
During this time, I purchased my first car which was a 1987 Honda CRX Si. I fell in love with driving. My little Honda had no power steering, ABS, traction control, no driver assists controls. Pure Driving. Every once in a while, it would break and I was not able to afford to bring it to the shop to have it fixed.
So, I took my dad’s old tools (my dad passed away when I was 14) and a Honda service manual and figured out to fix my car by myself. It took months and many mistakes to fix whatever issue it was, but I felt so fulfilled and empowered by being able to fix something on my little Honda. Growing up, I was very competitive. I played tons of sports and I rode horses and competed when I had time. So naturally when I found racing, it was all over! I started with autocross with my little Honda and went as often as I could!
I eventually bought other cars such as my Subaru WRX, took it to the track, and developed my driving skill as much as I could, all while documenting the journey via social media. I would regularly post about modifications I was doing on my cars and share my journey of me teaching myself to build and race cars. I loved it! I felt I had finally found a community that shared my passions and I loved being able to inspire others and show you can do whatever you set your mind to, no matter what you look like, where you come from, or how much money you have.
After a few years of learning about racing, and teaching myself to navigate this industry, drifting found me. I saw it on social media, I loved the idea of car performance and style. Driving at the edge of being out of control but in control at the same time. I bought a BMW 330 ci and took it to the track for a drift clinic. I was sold after that! I decided that was the motorsport I wanted to pursue. So get as much seat time in the BMW as I could and I am currently building my c5 corvette to be my competition drift car. I am currently building and drifting as much as I can to build myself as a driver. I am still documenting and sharing my journey to inspire!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, growing up w/o a father wasn’t easy. Being a female within the industry had its struggles. People would judge me and assume I expected everything done for me. Men would also try to “help” me but expect me to then go out on a date with them or more. I was taught that I was the only one I could trust, so I taught myself.
I had physical limitations; I have bad joints (joint laxity and scapular dyskinesis) so I was limited with how much weight I could lift and how often. This limited how much and how often I could work on my cars. I never really had a decent garage or spot to work on my cars. I started on a gravel driveway; I would rent a teeny spot out of a shop (maybe 6in of space around my car to work on it) and then only have single garages at apartments to get all this work done.
I guess you could say, I did the best with what I have.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in social media marketing. I have been in the space for a very long time, documenting my journey about building and racing my cars.
I have also done marketing and management for other brands and businesses to develop a brand voice and strategy for their social.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Being genuine, true to yourself, and kind to others.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_gbabz_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gbabz/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqR07sFC7TY_FtgaBF5rn8w
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@_gbabz_?lang=en
Image Credits
Danny Phantom
