“I've loved cars since I was a little kid, I always had Hot Wheels close by,” said Tyler Gallo, Owner of Gear & Grinds Vegas and The Paddock Auto Club. “I hosted my first community car show in 2006 for my high school to raise awareness for our school district's tax levy,” said Gallo. “Fast forward to 2016, I had recently relocated to Las Vegas, and wanted to find the cool car events in town.”
In came Gears and Grinds, a semi-monthly event held near local coffee shop, Baguette Café, that gathers moto enthusiasts with the simple goal of welcoming all gears with wheels to enjoy good company, appreciate the chrome, horsepower, and symphony of vehicles, and some flavorful coffee.
“Our events welcome auto enthusiasts, of course, but also we encourage friends and families to feel welcome into the automotive culture that connects us all,” said Gallo.
Gallo has spent the better part of the past eight years navigating the Las Vegas car community and is happy to see the positive growth.
“Vegas has been the mecca for the automotive industry for decades thanks to SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association), and we now have the Las Vegas Concours, Formula 1 Las Vegas Gran Prix, and more, elevating the local car community,” said Gallo.
Gallo also credits Gear & Grinds to some degree.
“Honestly, Gears & Grinds has specifically contributed to creating inclusivity for enthusiasts and, more importantly, their passengers,” said Gallo. “There's never a dull moment at any event and all of us truly share in the experience and have each other's backs and bolts.”
From helping shine up a buddy's car, to borrowing tools, and simply just sharing their stories with new friends.
“The reason I am dedicated to this culture is to create and strengthen the camaraderie amongst us all every day, not just at our events,” said Gallo.
As a proactive member of the community, there are some efforts that Gallo thinks can be made to further promote inclusivity and diversity within the hobby.
“Having respect - welcoming the diversity that is this culture to have access and share our appreciation. We hold a standard for our company, events, and who we affiliate with to ensure we respect the experience for everyone,” said Gallo.
Gallo believes that events like car shows help preserve automotive history and culture, due to the events providing spaces for individuals to truly look and learn.
“People can see cars they've maybe only ever seen on social media or have the opportunity to talk to someone they would only meet in that moment or at least have a reason to talk to each other,” said Gallo. “It's where families can take kids to inspire the next generation to be a part of a culture that stretches around the globe.”
Gallo urges locals to come to Gears & Grinds every first and third Sunday of the month.
“Look up your local automotive events, attend them, show support, say hello to the owners of the cars, and just start talking,” said Gallo.