Need for Speed

The Gearheads of Texas State University bring the need for speed to the hill country

By: Caleb Ritchie

SAN MARCOS -- Texas State Gearheads, Dexter Coble and Luis Ortiz, describe the allure of driving from childhood and the sacrifices take to fuel their lifestyle.

Dexter Coble, a health administration major at Texas State, is a prime example of how the media coverage of racing has driven students to buy into the racing mindset. When asked what drew him to cars, Coble spoke of the integration of subliminal advertising in his childhood.

“The whole driving experience,” Coble said. “The marketing of the ultimate driving machine made it so real for me.”

To some, the love of cars is a hobby or a way to pass the time. The Gearheads are a prime example of how a hobby can shift to a lifestyle.

“It is more of a way of life,” said Coble. “I always find ways to drive… to go enjoy my car and go get away from everything. To just be one with the car and one with myself.”

This lifestyle however does not come without sacrifice, as illustrated by the testaments of Luis Ortiz, a junior with the love of speed.

“You gotta be dedicated to the hobby if you want it because you’re going to be spending a lot of money,” Ortiz said. “Eating Ramen to afford your car parts, to go faster or to look cooler.”

The desire to race cars has fueled the movie industry and the hearts of children for decades. Ever since the death of Paul Walker in 2013, the transition from collectibles to actual machines has been a transformative part of the lives of millenials.

  

“I’ve always wanted to race cars, ever since I was a young boy, as I think a lot of guys have,” Walker said.

The Gearheads are welcoming to any potential members and tell people to come out to their meets if they have a love or even curiosity about cars.