Five Minutes with Cody Walker: FuelFest Co-Founder and Reach Out WorldWide CEO

by Martin Ramirez on April 4, 2024 in Entertainment,
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On April 20, FuelFest returns for its third year in Dallas-Fort Worth for an epic celebration of car culture. 

Hosting over 700 cars, 50+ brands, live music, and action-packed events that include drifting, drag racing, and fan ride-alongs, the FuelFest makes its pitstop at Texas Motor Speedway to unite car enthusiasts across the great Lone Star State. FuelFest Co-Founder Cody Walker sat down with Texas Lifestyle Magazine to discuss the global phenomena of car culture, how special the car community is in Texas, and taking the reins of Reach Out WorldWide.

In addition to fun-filled exhibits with products and contests, movie cars on display, and multiple live performances from hip hop artists and DJs, FuelFest pays homage to the late Paul Walker with a portion of the event’s proceeds dedicated to Reach Out WorldWide (ROWW), the non-profit charity he founded in 2010 as a response to the massive earthquake that devastated Haiti. Cody continues the organization’s mission to fill the gap between the availability of skilled resources in post-disaster situations. Through FuelFest, ROWW has raised over $413,000 to benefit those in need. 

FuelFest Co-Founder Cody Walker is committed to helping fulfill the late-actor Paul Walker’s legacy of generosity and goodwill. Courtesy photo.

Can you tell us about how FuelFest started? What sparked this idea and how did it evolve into the successful worldwide event it is today?

 First of all, I love cars. Cars were always a topic of discussion in the Walker household. They often say “do what you love,” and that’s what I am doing here. FuelFest was always about bringing the community together and giving back. 

Gates are open from 1–8 p.m. Admission tickets start at $40 per person and kids 12 and under are free. Photo courtesy FuelFest.

FuelFest celebrates the passion of the automotive community across the globe. What is it about cars that unites us?

Cars and the love for them is a universal language. It’s an extremely diverse community and that’s what makes it so special.

With events that include Dallas, Los Angeles, West Palm Beach, New Jersey, Las Vegas, Arizona, London, Tokyo and Abu Dhabi, FuelFest unites a global culture of car enthusiasts. Photo courtesy FuelFest.

April 20 marks the third event in the Dallas Ft. Worth area. Can you tell us about what makes this area particularly special for the car community? Are there any plans for other sites in Texas?

Yes, and I am so excited that we get to do this again at Texas Motor Speedway. It really is an awesome location! The state of Texas is obviously huge, and the diversity of the automotive community here is great. Texas has always been the one place in the midwest that you can experience a FuelFest event.

FuelFest Dallas-Fort Worth will also feature Taste of Tokyo, an immersive and interactive scene that resonates a Japanese underground car meet vibe. Photo courtesy FuelFest.

How does it feel to be running the organization, Reach Out WorldWide? What are some of your proudest moments with the organization?

I was hesitant and scared at the beginning to take it on, but I have some amazing people in my corner that have helped me tremendously along the way. Paul ran the organization using his own money and resources and largely in secret. He just wanted to help others without the media clout. I see ROWW as a part of Paul and his legacy that was left behind. I’m humbled to see so many of our volunteers come back again and again for the next mission.

ROWW has been instrumental in responding to disasters in areas including Beaumont, Texas, Lahaina, Hawaii, Turkey and more. Photo courtesy FuelFest.     

The proceeds of each festival go towards this amazing organization. Are there any immediate needs and how does one get involved? 

That’s right! Raising funds and awareness was the catalyst that started FuelFest. Please visit roww.org and follow them on IG and Facebook for up-to-date info and how to get involved.

Guest appearances include Tyreese along with Cody Walker and more. Photo courtesy FuelFest.

Visit www.FuelFest.com for event information, car registration, and tickets. Be sure to follow FuelFest on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

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Cover photo courtesy FuelFest

Martin Ramirez is a brisket-eating, Shiner-loving, road-tripping enthusiast of all things Texas. This Dallas-born writer / adventurer is ready to take his ‘78 El Camino to find the best in food, fun, and fitness throughout the Lone Star State.