1998 HONDA PRELUDE
Part I: The Interview

Ktown213:  Debbie, how did it all start for you? What made you decide to get into cars?
Debbie:  Since my freshman year of high school, I was always interested in fixed up cars - feeling "cool" being a passenger of an Integra with some Racing Harts C5s bumping some Warren G...Back then, a lot of my friends were into the import scene and I thought that having an exhaust, rims, system, and vinyl stickers all over the car was the "in" thing...so every chance that I would get, I would go to shows and events with my friends to check the rides out and the GUYS OUT! Hahah. Just kidding. =) When I was younger, my girl friends and I took pictures in front of my friends' rides and it was all for fun. As I began to learn more about the import culture, it wasn't just the hype about what's cool and what's not; it was more of a hobby... A passion. Since then, I wanted to have a project of my own with my ideas and preferences of building MY project car. A couple years ago, I bought a 1998 Honda Prelude just for the sake of building something no one else will have with my own taste...and this is what I came up with! I wanted to build a show-winning car and I decided to construct a work of art I could call my own. Yes, it's still in the works but it's just the beginning.

Kt213:  In an industry dominated by males, how does it feel to be one of the few females representin'?
Debbie:  I feel that a lot of people discriminate girls saying "they can't drive" and "they don't know anything about cars - they only know that it could take them to the mall!"... By hearing these things, it only encourages me more to prove them wrong! These days I see a lot of girls that know way more about cars than some guys out there! Of course I still do my �girly� things such as getting my manicures, hair highlights, and raiding the malls, but I will never lose interest in this particular hobby. I've learned a lot about cars - everything from aftermarket products to even building motors. From this passion, I encouraged so many girls to have the same interest and it's been fun. I hope that more girls will be open to having a fascination for something other than the usual. Especially, what feels better than beating a GUY it's its own game? Hahaha....

Kt213:  Tell us about your crew.
Debbie:  Team Hybrid is one of the top teams in Southern California. This team is not just another car club or crew, but a special family of friends consisting itself in a team ideology. Team Hybrid is a well-rounded team with friendship, a strong support system, understanding, trust and love incorporated amongst the original Hybrid member, the Hybrid Hunnyz, the all the different generations of our crew.

Throughout the existence of Team Hybrid, the organization has won over 500 plus trophies and awards. Team Hybrid cars have been featured in various magazines/DVD�s throughout the United States, Japan, and Europe. Team Hybrid vehicles not only attend car shows such as Import Showoff and Hot Import Nights, Team Hybrid vehicles have also attended consumer shows and trade shows such as the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show, International Auto Salon, and SEMA.

Kt213:  Any upcoming events or projects you'd like to discuss?
Debbie:  My first debut was at SEMA Las Vegas (Nov 2,2004 - Nov 5, 2004) where my car was displayed as a featured vehicle representing Audio Options. The first show that I will be competing in will be on November 27th-28th at the LA Convention Center for Import Showoff Classics. It should be exciting because I've been to many shows but never to compete with my own car...So, my fellow KT213ers, come support me and my crew!

As for more project ideas, that's to work on the engine. I will be adding a custom turbo set up and modifications to the engine. I am also working on getting vertical doors and big brakes to finish my exterior mods.

Kt213:  Thanks for the interview Debbie!  Any shoutouts or comments?
Debbie:  I give my ultimate thanks to all my sponsors for helping me come this far. Of course I thank my team, Team Hybrid, for all the love, support, and family-like closeness they have given me. To me, it's not about who has the best car in the team or who get the most trophies, but I feel that every single member contributes to the team's success and strengths. By being a part of this team, I have learned a lot from those far more experienced than me. They have given me feedback and assistance, but most of all a second family...