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"My
theory is if they want it, I'd give it to them,
I built this truck not to cherish but to break
it." This is Tom Mesa's philosophy about his truck.
Tom, a patient courier at Guam Memorial Hospital
has been a car enthusiast for over a decade. He
enjoys fixing cars, racing, off-roading and other
motor sports.
"I've always like fixing nice cars," Tom says.
Thus, none of the original components of his 1992
Toyota Hi-Lux remained untouched. "I have changed
all the original parts of my truck," confirms
Tom. In which everything has been modified from
its engine down to its tires. He took the Toyota
motor and put in a Nissan motor and backyard row
cage; relocated the gas tank, fuse and battery
box; put in a 4-barrel side drafts along with
racing chairs (RCI seats) and 5-point strap RCI
seatbelts; placed a nitrous oxide system, Rebello
racing products, Blaze Out safety suppression
and MSD ignition.
The
truck is no stranger to competitions and has awards
to boast on its tail. Tom's pride and joy has
won him awards in this year's Auto Jam and Radical
Rydes car show competitions, in which he placed
1st and 2nd respectively in the mini hot rod category.
Also, he won 1st place in last year's Radical
Rydes auto show in the same division. But despite
the achievements he had gained, Tom doesn't hug
all the recognition; he had Ben Aguon, Jess Manibusan,
Ryan Sula, his family and friends, Blaze Out and
his car group Rebello Racing to thank.
Tom
is an important element of the auto club Rebello
Racing. He along with Ed Encina are credited as
founding members of the club, which was established
two years ago. "I'm one of the people who started
it. I'm one of the originals," Tom says. Today,
five people are members of the club.
The
name of the car group Rebello Racing must be familiar
to enthusiasts; Robello is a California-based
company which produces car racing products. The
club aspires to enter its members in legal drag
races and to build more shows on car vehicles.
Being a member of their group requires only passion
for racing, "As long as you like the sport of
racing, and you're willing to race, it's all about
racing," Tom advises those interested in joining
Rebello Racing.
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