Today we’d like to introduce you to Luke Shaia
Hi Luke, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started my YouTube channel in the summer of 2021, during a time in my life when I was seeking direction and purpose. Having always had a passion for cars and a desire to work in the automotive industry, I wanted to create something unique—vehicles that I could truly build and modify to my own specifications. That’s when I decided to document the build of my 2002 Mazda B4000, transforming it into an off-road rig with a pop-up tent. Over the course of a year and a half, as I worked on the truck, I discovered a deep love for content creation. Sharing my ideas and seeing the creativity flow through my builds became incredibly rewarding.
After completing the Mazda, my focus shifted towards racing. I sold the truck and purchased a Mazdaspeed 6 and a Toyota Tundra, intending to turn the Mazdaspeed 6 into a racecar and use the Tundra as a tow rig. While the Tundra turned into a reliable off-road and towing machine, I faced challenges with the Mazdaspeed 6. After a year of working on the car, I was finally able to take it to the track. However, on my third lap, the engine blew, ending my racecar dreams in an instant. Despite the setbacks, I remained determined to pursue my passion.
In April 2024, I decided to get back into a more fun and nimble car, so I purchased a 2009 BMW 335i, which is currently featured on my channel. I’ve since built it into 420 horsepower daily driver, and I have big plans for it in 2025, aiming to turn it into something truly incredible.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Murphy’s Law—’If something can go wrong, it will’—has been a constant theme in my YouTube journey, especially when it comes to building a racecar. The process of converting a street car into a racecar is incredibly challenging, and I can’t imagine the complexity of building a full-fledged racecar from scratch. I’m not a certified technician, so every repair or modification I’ve attempted has been a steep learning curve. Fortunately, my passion for the automotive industry has driven me to embrace these challenges and continuously learn more about cars.
Beyond the frustrations of blown motors, stubborn parts that won’t budge, or the difficulties of crafting a pop-up tent from scratch, one of the biggest hurdles is always the funding. Car parts can be incredibly expensive, and building and modifying cars is a costly hobby. However, when it’s something you’re truly passionate about, the investment is worth it every time.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
The thing I love most about my content is that I truly believe if I can do it, anyone can. I work a 9-to-5 job, earn a decent income, and enjoy my hobbies just like anyone else. I aim to build cars that people can relate to, knowing not everyone has thousands of dollars to spend on their vehicles and hobbies. My focus is on designing and building cars with practical, cost-effective solutions—whether it’s by doing things myself to save money, hunting for reliable yet affordable parts, or creating builds that the average person can actually afford. That’s what I specialize in, and it’s what makes my content accessible and inspiring for others.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was an incredibly energetic kid. I vividly remember as soon as I could walk, I was outside riding my scooter. As I got older, I developed a love for sports, and my friends and I were always outside playing soccer, baseball, football—anything we could get our hands on. I became particularly passionate about baseball around the age of four and played wherever I could. I was determined to become a professional baseball player. When I wasn’t running around playing sports, you’d find us indoors on the GameCube. My favorite game was Super Smash Bros., though Need for Speed was a close second, and that’s where my interest in cars first started to grow.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luke_shaia
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lukeshaia
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@luke_shaia
