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Derek Shiekhi's father raised him on cars. As a boy, Derek accompanied his dad as he bought classics such as post-WWII GM trucks and early Ford Mustang convertibles.

After loving cars for years and getting a bachelor's degree in Business Management, Derek decided to get an associate degree in journalism. His networking put him in contact with the editor of the Austin-American Statesman newspaper, who hired him to write freelance about automotive culture and events in Austin, Texas in 2013. One particular story led to him getting a certificate for learning the foundations of road racing.

While watching TV with his parents one fateful evening, he saw a commercial that changed his life. In it, Jeep touted the Wrangler as the Texas Auto Writers Association's "SUV of Texas." Derek knew he had to join the organization if he was going to advance as an automotive writer. He joined the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) in 2014 and was fortunate to meet several nice people who connected him to the representatives of several automakers and the people who could give him access to press vehicles (the first one he ever got the keys to was a Lexus LX 570). He's now a regular at TAWA's two main events: the Texas Auto Roundup in the spring and the Texas Truck Rodeo in the fall.

Over the past several years, Derek has learned how to drive off-road in various four-wheel-drive SUVs (he even camped out for two nights in a Land Rover), and driven around various tracks in hot hatches, muscle cars, and exotics. Several of his pieces, including his article about the 2015 Ford F-150 being crowned TAWA's 2014 "Truck of Texas" and his review of the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider, have won awards in TAWA's annual Excellence in Craft Competition. Last year, his JK Forum profile of Wagonmaster, a business that restores Jeep Wagoneers, won prizes in TAWA’s signature writing contest and its pickup- and SUV-focused Texas Truck Invitational.

In addition to writing for a variety of Internet Brands sites, including JK Forum, H-D Forums, The Mustang Source, Mustang Forums, LS1Tech, HondaTech, Jaguar Forums, YotaTech, and Ford Truck Enthusiasts. Derek also started There Will Be Cars on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

 

A New (Turbocharged) Ferrari California is Coming Feb. 12

A New (Turbocharged) Ferrari California is Coming Feb. 12

My best friend lives out in California and absolutely hates it.  He wishes he could make some substantial, lasting modifications to it.  Less traffic; no crazy, naked guy in front of his apartment.  The list goes on.  Unfortunately for him, I don’t see any of those changes coming around any time soon. Ferrari has good […] More »

By: | February 5, 2014

How it’s Made: The Audi R8 V10 Plus Edition

How it’s Made: The Audi R8 V10 Plus Edition

I like steak, but I recoil at the thought of the process a cow goes through from the farm to my plate.  That’s one great thing about cars.  Watching how they’re made makes me hungry for more knowledge, not sick to my stomach. /DRIVE’s /INSIDE QUATTRO program went to Neckarsulm, Germany to show its viewers […] More »

By: | February 4, 2014

Automobile’s Standing Mile Test of the 2013 Nissan 370Z Nismo

Automobile’s Standing Mile Test of the 2013 Nissan 370Z Nismo

It’s only fitting that a lot of automotive speed tests are conducted on runways.  They provide plenty of straight road for those fearless enough to max out high-horsepower cars whose aerodynamic add-ons make them look as if they’re ready for flight. Automobile Magazine brought the car with the right looks to the right place.  The […] More »

By: | February 4, 2014

Say It Ain’t So: No CSL Treatment for the new M3 and M4

Say It Ain’t So: No CSL Treatment for the new M3 and M4

BMW brass has announced there will not be a lightweight CSL version of the new M3 sedan and M4 coupe.  Today is ruined! Wait…  That’s because the German company has already made its new M models CSL-lean?  Whew! Matt Collins, a BMW product manager, confirms it: “We’ve made them as light as possible – they […] More »

By: | January 30, 2014

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